The Sun 05042023

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are losing hundreds of thousands of ringgit via fraudulent Facebook advertisements, with victims being in the dark until they receive online banking notifications. The Malaysian Computer Security Response Team (MyCert), an entity under the Communications and Digital Ministry, recorded 5,198 online fraud cases and 794 intrusion attempts between January last year and February this year. Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Computer Sciences senior lecturer Dr Zarul Fitri Zaaba attributed online frauds to both human and technological factors. “Human factors such as the lack of awareness and mistakes can be associated with these incidents. Factors involving technology that can lead to people falling for online fraud include system vulnerabilities and inefficient countermeasures. “In computer security, countermeasures are methods or procedures that reduce risks by preventing and minimising damage. “However, even if all security control measures are put in place, attackers can still find weak spots or flaws,” he told theSun. Zarul said since attacking hardware and software security requires more time and effort, humans become the main targets as they can be easily manipulated using various techniques such as phishing, spam and clickbaits. “If an offer (seems) lucrative and (promises) monetary returns, an individual may lose his common sense. People reply to phishing e-mails or clickbaits and (unknowingly) share their user credentials with attackers”. Zarul said there is no single method to detect online fraud or suspicious activities. Thus, it is necessary to employ various strategies to protect oneself. “Users can identify and flag suspicious activities by monitoring odd behaviours. Online fraudsters frequently display specific behavioural patterns, such as logging in from an unfamiliar location, using an unfamiliar device and network, attempting to log in multiple times with incorrect credentials, or making huge transactions. “Another possible solution is to use security software such as anti-virus, fraud detection or prevention software. “Although these tools can help identify and prevent fraudulent activities before they occur, they do not guarantee that one is fully protected. “However, knowledge and experience may help to minimise the risk of falling into a trap.” Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) executive director Kalpana Sambasivamurthy said the organisation is committed to running awareness campaigns to educate bank customers and the public on how to remain safe online. She advised account holders to routinely monitor their statements as well as transaction alerts from banks closely and frequently. “If you fall victim to online banking fraud or mule scams, call your bank immediately, or the National Scam Response Centre at 997 between 8am and 8pm for assistance. Next, lodge a report with the police to facilitate investigations. “Thereafter, notify the bank in writing with a copy of the police report and all relevant records and documentation, such as transaction history, so they can be used for follow-up action.” Kalpana said all banks have put in place processes to conduct investigations into reports of unauthorised transactions. When an unauthorised transaction occurs, member banks are required by the regulators to ensure proper communication as well as fair redress for customers who have taken necessary steps to protect themselves and have not committed fraud, she added. Kalpana said scammers are constantly devising new ways to defraud the public and the modus operandi changes over time. “The common channels used by scammers oHundreds of thousands of ringgit lost to fraudsters using fake FB ads, with 5,198 cases reported between January 2022 and February this year █ BYARINA MUSTHAFA [email protected] Online banking thefts TELLING IT AS IT IS ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023 No. 8243 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my PALATE TEASER ... Roslan Che Lah, 45, checking out some of the jelly candies he is drying under the sun in front of his house in Kampung Seterpa, Peringat, Kota Bharu. Known to locals as agar-agar kering, the candies come in many shapes and colours, and are served during Aidilfitri. – BERNAMAPIC include social media, e-mails, direct messaging such as SMS and WhatsApp, and phone calls. Oftentimes, victims are tricked into downloading malware applications or revealing their confidential banking information. “Due to the increasingly sophisticated scams, everyone must equip themselves with knowledge and awareness of how scams are perpetrated to avoid becoming a victim,” she said. INSIDE Cabinet to decide on panel to monitor China investments 2 page Spreading hope, kindness this Ramadan 3 page

2 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Cabinet to decide on panel to monitor China investments oProjects from the republic now monitored by International Trade and Industry Ministry and supervised by China’s premier: Anwar KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet will decide on follow-up measures in the wake of his recent visit to China, including the need to establish a committee to monitor investments from there, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the follow-up measures would be discussed in a Cabinet meeting today. Anwar said so far, investments and projects from China are being monitored by the International Trade and Industry Ministry and by the Chinese government under the supervision of Prime Minister Li Qiang. He said the projects would be implemented at the end of this year or early next year at the latest. Anwar added that the organisational capabilities of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation as well as the preparations made by the Foreign Ministry, the International Trade and Industry Ministry and officers led to the satisfactory performance achieved. He was replying to a supplementary question from Fong Kui Lun (DAP-Bukit Bintang) in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday on the establishment of a special committee to monitor investments from China. Earlier, Anwar had announced the positive results of his maiden visit to China in terms of economic and investment opportunities, including an investment commitment of RM170 billion obtained. He said several MoUs were signed during the visit, including 12 in the service sector, 11 in the manufacturing sector and four in the infrastructure sector. Anwar added that Petronas would continue with its exploration RM5m for children’s courts Doctors’ on-call allowance extended to six health clinics KUALA LUMPUR: The government has agreed that on-call allowance will be extended to medical officers at six health clinics in a pilot project to tackle the issue of overcrowding in hospitals. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it is also agreed that the payment of the allowance be extended to include weekends. “I have also asked the Public Service Department and the Health Ministry to look into this facility so that the on-call allowance could be extended to all, other than medical officers,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Anwar was replying to a supplementary question by Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau (PHTuaran), who wanted to know whether the government is planning to raise the on-call allowance for doctors in the country. The prime minister said although the current rate of on-call allowance is appropriate, it needs to be raised as doctors working in health clinics or hospital emergency departments are not entitled to it. On the long-standing proposal to absorb contract doctors to permanent positions in the public service, Anwar said the government expected 12,800 out of the 20,330 existing contract doctors to be absorbed within the next three years. “This year, we expect 4,300 contract doctors to be absorbed. “We cannot afford to completely solve this issue this year, but what we can do is provide an additional allocation of RM1.7 billion from the RM3 billion in Budget 2023 as emolument expenditure for the Health Ministry. “This RM1.7 billion includes the expenditure to absorb and appoint some of the contract doctors to permanent positions.” He also expressed his appreciation to all the contract doctors for not going ahead with the planned strike. – Bernama STRESSING A POINT ... Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Saraswathy Kandasami in the Dewan Negara yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC project in the South China Sea although there are overlapping claims by China for the area. He said Malaysia considered the area, where the exploration project is being carried out, to be in the country’s territorial waters. “In any case, if China considers this to be its right, we are open for negotiations, but in the meantime, for exploration efforts, we will continue. “I do not want to avoid negotiations because this is Asean’s stand. For Asean, all overlapping claims should be resolved through negotiations, but until now, Malaysia insists that this (exploration project) is in Malaysia’s area or territory.” He was replying to a question from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), who wanted to know whether the prime minister discussed regional security issues during his visit to China, especially the presence of the Chinese navy in the South China Sea. Anwar said Malaysia’s stance on the exploration by Petronas had been conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping and his counterpart Li Qiang during his visit to the republic. “The matter was raised because of the overlapping claims in the South China Sea, especially China’s concern over Petronas’ activity in the area.” On the presence of Chinese ships and navy in the South China Sea, Anwar said China had clarified that it was in international waters, but the Foreign Ministry would continue to monitor the situation and issue a protest note if there are “collisions”. Anwar said Malaysia and Asean were firm in their stance not to support any effort that could increase tension, especially in the military field, Bernama reported. He said this is the reason that when the establishment of Aukus was announced, Malaysia expressed its concern that it might be considered provocative and cause China to increase its activities in the region. Aukus refers to the formation of a trilateral defence cooperation among Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. On March 30, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said as a member of Asean, Malaysia holds to the principle of maintaining Asean as a zone of peace, freedom and neutrality, including on issues related to nuclear disarmament and nuclear proliferation prevention. KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated RM5 million under Budget 2023 for upgrading and providing infrastructure for courts hearing cases under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the Senate was told yesterday. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reforms) Ramkarpal Singh said a conducive and child-friendly court would help children to give good evidence, thus ensuring smooth court proceedings. “Among the facilities provided are rest room, playroom, a place to sleep and for dining, as well as toilets. The court will also be equipped with high-tech and child-friendly infrastructure facilities such as court recording and transcription system, voiceto-text, audio-visual system, visualiser and testimonial aids such as anatomical dolls,” he said during the winding up session of the Supply Bill 2023. He was replying to a question by Senator Datin Ros Suryati Alang. – Bernama Get ready for more foreign investments: PM PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed all ministries and departments to get ready the infrastructure and human resources to receive increasing foreign investments. He said it would be a waste of government efforts if Malaysians do not take advantage of the opportunities available. He added that this would result in technology transfer and specialised training not taking place. He was speaking at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly here. Anwar said the ministry should help coordinate and identify the areas that are still lacking, including human resource skills, in preparation for receiving foreign investments. “If necessary, special additional allocation (must be given) to provide intensive training (for locals). Otherwise, they (investors) will have to hire workers from abroad. This should be monitored and action taken immediately.” Anwar said the investment of RM25.5 billion by Amazon Web Services and RM170 billion by China had a snowballing effect with many countries showing interest in investing in the country. “If you just wait for investments, but don’t prepare the skills, machinery and infrastructure, this will be a problem.” He added that investments in Malaysia are increasing due to the stable political system and clear government policies, as well as efforts made by government officers in attracting foreign investments. “My gratitude to them because when the government machinery is transparent and efficient, the results are good. When officers from all departments and agencies work together, it simplifies and smoothens the process and reassures investors.” – Bernama ‘Be appreciative of minorities’ PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malay Muslims who are the majority in this country should not feel too comfortable and conceited and fail to appreciate other groups. Anwar said this is one of the lessons that he learned during his recent working visit to Cambodia, where the Muslim population is only 10% in a predominantly Buddhist country. He added that in Cambodia Muslims are highly regarded, mosques are not demolished, their rights are protected and one was also appointed a minister to represent their interests. “So when I was given the privilege to deliver a speech before going to the mosque, I mentioned that this shows how a Buddhistmajority country respected the Muslim minority by participating in iftar, giving several other opportunities, including appointing a Muslim minister. “That’s why I said this is a lesson because sometimes when we are the majority, we feel so highly of ourselves thinking that other groups do not deserve respect,” he said at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday. Anwar said while looking after the interests of the Malay-Muslim majority in Malaysia, he has chosen to uphold the principle of mutual respect, celebrate diversity and grant citizenship rights to all. – Bernama

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 KUALA LUMPUR: Ramada Suites by Wyndham KLCC (Ramada KLCC) continued its yearly tradition of spreading hope and kindness during Ramadan by hosting a breaking of fast dinner for orphans from Rahoma Darul Fakir organisation on March 29. Seventeen girls aged between seven and 17, and an eight-year-old boy were invited to join the event with their caretakers. They were treated to a buffet dinner, a magic show and balloon art performance. Trinidad Group of Companies CEO Datuk Indera Naresh Mohan said Ramadan is the month of giving and forgiveness. “It’s the perfect time to show the group’s commitment to delivering on our social obligations, especially to the underserved community.” Rahoma Darul Fakir organisation president Datuk Faridah Omar Shah said the orphanage is honoured to be invited to enjoy an evening of happiness and togetherness during Ramadan. “Every little help for the children is taken as a blessing,” she said, thanking Trinidad Group and Ramada KLCC for the initiative. Established in 2008, the organisation is an independently managed all-girls orphanage that runs on public funds and donations. To date, there have been more than 200 children that have passed through its doors. The home provides shelter and education to orphaned and underprivileged children from low-income families. “Rahoma, which is a combination of my parents’ names Rahmah and Omar, began as my post-retirement project. As a pensioner in the shipping sector, I am used to being busy and occupied all the time. “By managing this orphanage, I can make use of the remaining time in this world by doing good deeds and serving the underprivileged,” she told theSun. Rahoma Darul Fakir focuses on giving underprivileged girls adequate formal education and supplementary lessons in art, climate change and technology. “Currently, we house 45 girls at our home in Jalan Kent, Kuala Lumpur and another 15 girls at our house in Subang Jaya, Selangor. In total, we have 10 volunteers and three permanent staff that comprise a cook, a caretaker and a driver for each house. “The orphanage seeks volunteers who are willing to provide free tuition, motivational support and counselling sessions, and conduct after-school classes such as arts and crafts, cooking, religious lessons and environmental awareness. “We need monetary contributions, which will go to purchasing food, school supplies such as uniforms and stationery, and paying for rent and utilities. This year, the orphanage did not receive as many donations compared with the years before Covid-19 hit us,” she said. Those who are keen to contribute can contact Faridah at 019-3828740 or donate to Pertubuhan Rahoma Darul Fakir through Maybank account number at 5623 6611 0385. RM104m new Chinese village allocation KUALA LUMPUR: The government plans to allocate RM104 million for the development of new Chinese villages in Peninsular Malaysia, the Senate was told yesterday. Deputy Local Government Development Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said upon approval of the Supply Bill 2023 (Budget 2023) by the Senate, the ministry will look into four key areas in efforts to develop the villages. “The first concerns the development of basic infrastructure in Kampung Baru Cina (Chinese new village), involving the implementation of small-scale development projects to provide basic infrastructure and social facilities to ensure the well-being of the villagers. “The second is to promote products of Kampung Baru Cina, which is to identify products from new villages that have the potential to be commercialised by upgrading in terms of packaging and marketing so that they are more attractive and competitive,” he said during the oral answer and question session. He said the ministry also planned to make Kampung Baru Cina a potential tourist destination through the implementation of development projects to generate income for villagers and stimulate local economic activities. “We will also have programmes to enliven the villages using the bottom-up approach that involves local leaders and villagers to beautify their villages to ensure a conducive and clean environment.” He said the ministry was targeting RM67.38 million for infrastructure development, RM5 million for house repair assistance, RM1.12 million for new house construction and RM10.5 million to provide financing, including microloans, for villagers. It was reported by the media previously that in 2021, the government had allocated RM84 million for the development of Chinese new villages. – Bernama Orphans, caregivers treated to Ramadan dinner oResidents from Rahoma Darul Fakir feted to buka puasa buffet, magic show and balloon art performance Minister, sec-gen appointed trustees of foundation KUALA LUMPUR: Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron have been appointed members of the board of trustees of the Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputera (Yayasan Peneraju), with effect from March 27. In a statement yesterday, Yayasan Peneraju said their appointments were on a pro-bono basis. Its CEO Dr Mohd Muzzammil Ismail, in welcoming their appointments, hoped to work together towards taking Yayasan Peneraju forward. “As a data-driven organisation, we will work together towards designing and offering more industry-driven programmes to increase the employability of youth with the right skills,” he said in the statement. Yayasan Peneraju is a government agency established in 2012, focusing on strengthening capacity building towards the sustainability of bumiputra talents. This is in line with government efforts to drive Malaysia towards a high-income country through structured academic funding programmes, technical and vocational education and training, structured professional, technology and specialist programmes. Apart from that, Yayasan Peneraju has been able to improve the skills and reskilling of more than 57,000 human capital, including the B40 group, M40, rural and marginalised groups through more than 440 programmes to enable them to contribute to the country’s economic development. Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, 56, has been appointed as secretarygeneral of the Works Ministry with effect from yesterday, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali. He was previously Perlis state secretary and had served as secretary-general of the then Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry. In a statement released yesterday, Mohd Zuki said Hasnol Zam Zam’s appointment was based on his qualifications and extensive experience in various fields, including human resource management and corporate management. “I have full confidence that he will be able to carry out his responsibilities by continuing the ministry’s vision to lead the development of the country’s infrastructure and construction industry.” Hasnol Zam Zam graduated with a bachelor of science in urban planning from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Pennsylvania, the US, before joining the public service as an administrative and diplomatic officer on Dec 1, 1992. – Bernama Unesco nomination for kebaya PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand have submitted a joint-nomination for the kebaya to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for the year 2023. The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry in a statement yesterday said the kebaya is a garment representing a significant part of the cultural heritage and identity of women from the Malay, Peranakan (Chinese, Baba Nyonya, Chetti, Siamese, Kristang) and other communities in Malaysia, as well as other countries in Southeast Asia. It added that the multi-national nomination is due to the kebaya representing and celebrating “our rich and shared history, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and continues to be present across Southeast Asia”. – Bernama █ BYARINA MUSTHAFA [email protected] RTD collects over RM800m in revenue KUALA KANGSAR: The Road Transport Department (RTD) has collected a total of RM807 million in revenue as of February, of which RM28.8 million is from collections via the Perak RTD. RTD director-general Datuk Zailani Hashim said a total of RM196,065 was collected through the RTD mobile counters and RM1.7 million through the phase-three kiosks. The text of Zailani’s speech was read by RTD management division director Mohd Tarmizi Abd Talib at the inauguration ceremony of the drive-through counter at the Kuala Kangsar enforcement station here on Monday. Perak RTD director Mohammad Yusoff Abustan, who was also present at the event, said the Kuala Kangsar drive-through counter would benefit over 150,000 residents in the area and people of the state in general. – Bernama Faridah (second from right) and some of the girls enjoying the buffet spread. – WAN MIRZA ISKANDAR/THESUN

4 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Socso in talks with top Indian hospitals NEW DELHI: The Social Security Organisation (Socso), a department under the Human Resources Ministry, is looking to collaborate with two of India’s leading specialist hospitals to offer Malaysian workers advanced treatment and rehabilitation services. A potential tie-up was discussed with the IBS Hospital, which specialises in neurosciences, and Chennai’s Apollo Cancer Hospital during Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar’s visit to India from April 1 to 4. Socso is interested in using the proton-beam therapy available at Apollo as an alternative cancer treatment. “The treatment uses proton technology, which has no side effects on cancer patients, that Socso wishes to utilise in order to support existing rehabilitation services,” Sivakumar said in a statement. The minister and his delegation visited the IBS Hospital on Monday to gain an understanding of the neuromodulation programme offered in India. “Socso also plans to create and offer neuromodulation services for the treatment of injuries involving nerves, the spinal cord, stroke and neurological problems such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.” Neuromodulation therapy provides stimulation to the brain and nervous system. The process can create new neural pathways or improve existing ones that have been damaged due to injury or disease. Sivakumar said a working group will be formed to further discuss the form of cooperation with the two Indian medical facilities and make its recommendations. IBS managing director Dr Sachin Kandhari briefed Sivakumar and his delegation about the hospital’s facilities and expertise in the field of neuromodulation, which can complement the existing Cybernics treatment provided at the Socso Rehabilitation Centre, the designated centre for Socso contributors. Sivakumar said his India visit was part of Malaysia’s efforts to enhance its rehabilitation services by adding cutting-edge treatment methods from around the world. The minister also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between TalentCorp and India’s National Skill Development Corporation in the Indian capital. – Bernama PETALING JAYA: Cancer-stricken widow Vijayaletchumy Subramaniam, whose plight was highlighted by theSun on March 22, succumbed to the disease and died on Monday night. The article on Vijayaletchumy, 51, who at the time had mere months to live, touched the hearts of Malaysians, who donated freely towards the costs of medical care, groceries, utility bills and a set of school uniform for her daughter, Kalliswary Chandrasegaran, 13. A total of RM48,515 was raised by theSun and the Council of Datuk Dato’ Malaysia, while direct donations were also made to the family. In the final phase of her life, Vijayaletchumy had expressed concern over the future of Kalliswary, who would be orphaned as she has no next of kin. Vijayaletchumy suffered from stage four breast cancer that had spread to her lungs, neck and nerves. Family friend Kalaivani Paramasive, 38, said Vijayaletchumy passed on at the Kuala Kubu Bharu Hospital after a bout of breathing difficulty. “I know she is now resting in peace. Despite her cancer and the pain she was in, her only thoughts were of Kalliswary’s future and what would happen to her after she is gone. “But with the public donations that came in and commitment from NGOs to help look after Kalliswary, she was confident everything would be fine. I think she finally decided to let go and stop holding on to her life,” Kalaivani said. An NGO, the Suriana Welfare Society (SWS) has committed to looking after Kalliswary’s welfare and education requirements until she reaches the age of 18 oNGO steps up to look after welfare and education of orphaned 13-year-old daughter until she reaches age of 18 or enters varsity █ BYVEISHNAWI NEHRU [email protected] No contract doctors on strike in Perak IPOH: No contract doctors in Perak have participated in a strike to protest their unresolved employment terms as of Monday, said State Human Resources, Health and Indian Community Affairs Committee chairman A. Sivanesan. He said he received feedback from the Perak health director that all doctors came to work as usual on Monday, meaning attendance was 100% except for those who were on annual or emergency leave. “We understand that those absent were either on emergency or annual leave, while the rest were present,” he told reporters after an iftar meal with the Perak Media Practitioners Association on Monday night. He also confirmed that statewide, there was no disruption in hospital services despite reports that contract doctors were going on strike nationwide for three days starting on Monday to protest unresolved employment issues. Sivanesan said he was pleased that contract doctors in the state, involving 1,611 individuals, have shown their commitment to their respective responsibilities by turning up for work. On March 29, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assured contract doctors that 1,500 of them would be made permanent this year and the government would need three years to resolve the issue. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the highlevel committee chairman to resolve the contract doctors issue, on Sunday said the government would ensure the implementation of a win-win solution. Meanwhile, on the problem of parking at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, Sivanesan said he had sought the cooperation of police not to issue summonses against hospital visitors who park their vehicles beyond the hospital compound. He also requested for flexible enforcement until May 23, which is when modification work on the parking lot would be completed. – Bernama Sarawakian sought to design movie poster KUCHING: The producer of the horror movie Sumpahan Jerunai is looking for a talented Sarawak-born artist to come up with a poster for the movie before it is released in July. The horror movie depicts a true story about the history of the Melanau ethnic group in relation to the aristocratic burial customs in the days before the reign of the White Rajah of Sarawak. Seni Duapuluh Duapuluh Sdn Bhd production executive director Wendy Wong said the best poster will be submitted to the FIN Atlantic International Film Festival for a poster contest. “We want to expose the hidden talents of Sarawakians at the international level, besides wanting them to appreciate the customs and cultures of one of Sarawak’s forgotten minorities. “To date, six institutions of higher learning in Sarawak are participating in the film poster competition and the Kuching Malaysian Arts School is also participating,” she said at a press conference to announce the Sumpahan Jerunai poster competition here yesterday. The six institutions are the Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, University Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Segi University Sarawak, Cosmopoint College Kuching and Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology. – Bernama Saudi Arabia enforces requirement to use app for haj visa applications KUALA LUMPUR: Prospective haj pilgrims need to download the Saudi Visa Bio app on their smartphones for the purpose of applying for a haj visa this year, following its enforcement by the Saudi Arabian government. Tabung Haji executive director Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman said the app can be downloaded via Google Play Store and Apple App Store. He said the app was a new innovation by the Saudi Arabian government for this year’s haj, to facilitate visa applications and shorten the process for pilgrims entering the holy land. Visa applications made via the app covers four simple processes, filling in an email address, uploading a scan of the passport personal details page, a face scan and a fingerprint scan of all ten fingers. – Bernama or enters university. “Now that her mother is gone, we will take full responsibility for Kalliswary. She will be well taken care of just as her mother had wished,” said SWS founder Dr James Nayagam. He said it is a crucial moment, especially for a 13-year-old who lost her mother at such a young age. “It is sad to watch a teenager grieve and lose her mother. Let me reiterate that SWS is committed to taking care of all Kalliswary’s needs.” James said SWS has made arrangements and will pay for Hindu funeral rites to be conducted for Vijayaletchumy, including arranging for a temple priest, casket and saree for her. He said Kalliswary is currently under the care of the Social Welfare Department and once the body has been released by the hospital, the mother will be cremated in Klang. “This is a tragic and traumatic journey for a 13-year-old and we will provide her with grief counselling. “We have professional counsellors to help children overcome this type of tragic situation and we are confident we can assist her to overcome her distress.” James said he would have discussions with the Social Welfare Department and Kalliswary about her future and whether she wished to be adopted into a family. Meanwhile, Kalliswary expressed gratitude to the public for supporting and contributing to her mother in their hour of need. “Thank you to all the contributors as we received help and support from the public and NGOs. “Everyone has been so generous to us and I am deeply touched by their care and concern.” Flashback of the report by theSun on March 22. Cancer-stricken mum succumbs to disease

5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 Bid to reinstate sedition suit against Hadi dismissed PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court yesterday struck out an application by two Sabahans to get leave to appeal to reinstate a lawsuit against PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang over alleged seditious remarks. A three-member bench led by Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah held that the application by Maklin Masiau and Lawrence Jomiji Kinsil @ Maximilhian was not supported with a valid and proper affidavit as it was not affirmed before a commissioner of oath. “Therefore, there is no competent application before us,” said Mohamad Zabidin, who sat with Federal Court judges Datuk Mary Lim Thiam Suan and Datuk Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal. Mohamad Zabidin, who delivered the court’s unanimous decision in an online proceeding, struck out the application with no order as to costs. The Sabahans had filed the suit against Abdul Hadi in December 2020, seeking declarations that the PAS leader had committed sedition and was unfit to hold public office. They claimed that Abdul Hadi had made a seditious statement against Christians and Christian missionaries, which was published in the Harakah newspaper on Jan 18, 2016. On May 7, 2021, High Court Judge Datuk Akhtar Tahir allowed Abdul Hadi’s application to strike out the suit filed by the two men, who then lost their appeal, which was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on Aug 16 last year. The court was supposed to hear their application yesterday, but Abdul Hadi’s lawyer Yusfarizal Yussoff raised a preliminary objection, saying that there was no valid affidavit. He said sufficient time had been given to the applicants, since October last year, to take steps to rectify the matter, adding that they should not be given another chance to get the affidavit affirmed. Yusfarizal, assisted by lawyer Adam Luqman Amdan, also said there was no application made by the applicants to seek leave of the court to use the defective affidavit. Lawyer R. Kengadharan, representing Maklin and Lawrence, said his clients merely signed the document without affirming it before a commissioner of oath. He told the court that attempts to contact Maklin to affirm the affidavit were unsuccessful and requested the court to give him another chance to get the affidavit affirmed. – Bernama Foreign women among four nabbed in RM5.5m drug bust IPOH: Three Vietnamese women were among four people arrested in connection with the seizure of drugs worth RM5.5 million in two separate raids in Pantai Remis near Manjung last Saturday. Perak police chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hasan Basri said the suspects, aged between 32 and 39, were arrested at a rented house at 7am by a team from the state narcotics crime investigation department. “A search of the house, believed to have been used for processing and packaging drugs, found 245 ecstasy pills weighing 100g and about 1.27g of ecstasy powder, all worth RM95,043. “Police also seized chemicals and equipment used,” he said. The arrest of the suspects led to another raid on a house in Panchor, Pantai Remis, at 3.30pm the same day. From the second house, which belongs to the male local suspect, police seized 11,838 ecstasy pills weighing 5.59kg, ecstasy powder weighing 38.3kg and ecstasy liquid weighing about 31.3kg. “Police also found 2kg of dried leaves believed to be marijuana, crystals suspected to be methamphetamine weighing 844g and about 162g of heroin, with all the seized drugs worth about RM5.4 million,” he said. They also confiscated three vehicles as well as a necklace and a ring, with a total estimated value of RM763,693. Mohd Yusri added that all the suspects tested positive for amphetamine-type drugs and the male suspect had a record of nine criminal cases. “The syndicate is believed to have been active since the beginning of last year,” he said, adding that all the suspects have been remanded for a week for investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. – Bernama Mohd Yusri (third from right) showing items seized during the raid at a press conference at the Perak police contingent headquarters yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Plan initiated to address risks at traffic crash hotspot PETALING JAYA: Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has responded to an article by theSun on March 30, in which residents of Taman Rainbow, located at Batu 3 in Jalan Ipoh, voiced fears over a spate of collisions at the intersection leading towards Kuala Lumpur and Kepong. oMRT Corp engages residents, proposes placement of flexible poles to keep vehicles in correct lanes █ BYAZLAN RAMLI [email protected] Tree uprooted in storm damages vehicles LABUAN: A massive tree crashed onto a car and hit three vehicles at Jalan Jati during a downpour accompanied with strong winds yesterday. The left side of the car was damaged by the uprooted tree, which also landed on three other cars. No injuries were reported in the incident, that is believed to have occurred at 8am. Labuan Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operation division) Ardillah Supardi said a continuous downpour and strong winds ripped across the island since early morning, uprooting trees in several areas. “We received a distress call at 8.31am and immediately dispatched several personnel to the scene. “When we arrived, the uprooted tree had landed on several cars that were parked in front of a shoplot in the town centre, and clearance work was done immediately,” he said. Henry Abil, 37, said when the tree crashed it sounded like a house collapsing. “I have seen broken branches around this area, but never thought the tree could be uprooted as its roots had been covered with concrete and this is my first time witnessing a huge tree crashing down on cars,” he said. – Bernama Motorist killed after crashing into lorry GEORGE TOWN: A man died after a car he was driving hit the back of a lorry in a crash at Km1.5 on the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway. The victim S. Vitra Stevan, 44, died at the scene in the 4.19am incident yesterday. Jalan Perak Fire and Rescue station operations officer Israhanafi Ismail said rescuers were immediately dispatched after receiving a call about the collision. “On arrival, we found the victim pinned to his seat. We sized up the situation and immediately figured a way to remove the trapped victim using special rescue tools. “The driver was finally extricated from the wrecked car at 4.51am.” He said the man was pronounced dead by a medical team and his body was taken to the Penang Hospital for an autopsy. – Bernama RM240,000 worth of frozen chicken breasts confiscated BUTTERWORTH: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Service (Maqis) seized frozen chicken breasts worth RM240,000 from Thailand on April 1 at the North Butterworth Container Terminal, as information on a halal certificate of consignment was unclear. Its Penang director Muhammad Ikram Abd Talib said a check on the container carrying the consignment was conducted before the seizure. “There were 25,000kg of frozen boneless chicken breasts in the container,” he said, adding that further inspection found that the halal certificate information on the importation of the consignment was not clearly stated. He said failure to comply with the conditions of the import permit is an offence under Section 15(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011. – Bernama In the report, members of the Taman Rainbow Residents Association (TRRA) had claimed that the problems started after the MRT “Station 15” was built in Batu 3, which caused traffic to increase. They also stated that frequent crashes occured after the two-lane road in Jalan Ipoh, in front of the station and Kompleks Mutiara, was widened to three lanes, with the additional lane leading into St Thomas Road. That led them to complain to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and MRT Corp. However, they claimed that no action has been taken thus far to rectify the situation. In response to complaints by the residents and the neighbouring Taman Kaya Residents Association (TKRA), MRT Corp clarified that the current traffic scheme at the area referred to by TRRA is based on a certified road safety audit by competent road safety consultants, and was approved by the DBKL Urban Transport Department on March 16. The company stated that it has taken note of the collisions that occurred at the said location and site visits had been held with the residents, authorities and various parties to discuss further improvements. “It is proposed that flexible poles be installed to separate the lanes for vehicles heading straight from those turning into Jalan St Thomas. “This proposal is currently being studied by the relevant consultants and once it is approved, it will be installed,” MRT Corp said. “With regards to the traffic light timing and phases, the local authority had been alerted as the matter is under their jurisdiction. “We would like to thank TRRA and TKRA for bringing this to our attention for the benefit of road users.”

6 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Trump faces day in court in historic US first oNew York braces for protests as mayor warns ‘rabble rousers’ NEW YORK: Donald Trump, the ex-president and frontrunner to be Republican nominee in 2024, is set to be formally charged in court, finger-printed and have a mugshot taken in a watershed moment ahead of next year’s presidential election. Trump was indicted last week, becoming the first sitting or former president to face criminal charges, over a case involving a 2016 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. The billionaire has said he is innocent and is due to plead not guilty. Ahead of Trump’s appearance in a New York court, security is tightened as demonstrations were expected for and against a man who has One dead, dozens injured after Dutch train hits crane, derails IS chief planning Europe attacks killed in Syria strike DAMASCUS: The US military said yesterday it had carried out a strike in Syria killing a senior Islamic State (IS) official responsible for planning attacks in Europe. The strike in northwestern Syria on Monday killed senior IS leader Khalid Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri, said US Central Command (Centcom). It said he was “responsible for planning (IS) attacks into Europe”. The statement did not specify the location of the strike and added that “no civilians were killed or injured”. “Though degraded”, IS, which was ousted from its last territory in Syria in 2019, “remains able to conduct operations within the region with a desire to strike beyond the Middle East”, said Centcom chief General Michael Kurilla. Khalid Aydd also “developed the leadership structure for IS” and his death will “temporarily disrupt the organisation’s ability to plot external attacks”, Centcom said. IS has claimed a number of deadly attacks in Europe in recent years, including a November 2015 attack in Paris and its suburbs that killed 130 people and another in the French city of Nice in July 2016 that killed 86 people. The same year, three suicide attacks in Belgium killed more than 30 people. In August 2017, attacks claimed by the militant group in Spain killed 16 people. – AFP B R I E F SRESIDENTS LIVING NEAR VOLCANO EVACUATED BOGOTA: About 120 residents living near Colombia’s Nevada del Ruiz volcano were being evacuated on Monday after increased seismic activity. A 1985 eruption by the volcano that killed 25,000 people is considered the worst natural disaster in Colombian history. Caldas department governor Luis Carlos Velasquez said 40 families living near the volcano would be relocated as a “preventative” measure. Some of the homes near the smoking crater are not reachable via cell phone or radio, he said, making it difficult to warn them in case of an emergency. There has recently been a “significant increase in seismic activity”, the Mines Ministry said. – AFP HUTHI REBELS PARDON YOUTUBERS, PRODUCER SANAA: Two Yemeni YouTubers and a producer jailed by Huthi rebels for publishing videos critical of the Iran-backed insurgents have received pardons. The trio, who were sentenced last month, were pardoned by Huthi political leader Mahdi al-Mashat. The Huthis seized the Yemen capital in 2014. A Sanaa court sentenced YouTubers Mustafa al-Mawmari and Ahmad Hajar to 18 months and 12 months respectively, while producer Hammoud al-Mesbahi received a six-month term. In December, Ahmad was detained after he accused the Huthis of “robbing the Yemeni people”, in a video watched around half a million times. – AFP DIVINE BEAUTIES ... Performers clad in Hanfu (traditional dress) posing as flower goddesses while riding on boats during a tourism event in the China city of Hangzhou. – AFPPIC riled liberals and some global allies but is lauded by many white blue-collar and conservative Christian voters. “We have to take back our Country and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social profile shortly after arriving in New York from Florida on Monday, urging supporters to donate to his campaign. The arraignment, where Trump will be in court to hear charges and have a chance to enter a plea, was planned for 2.15pm on Tuesday (2.15am today in Malaysia). Trump’s lawyers opposed videography, photography and radio coverage, saying it would “exacerbate an already almost circus-like atmosphere around this case”, detracting from dignity and decorum. Judge Juan Merchan on Monday ruled that five photographers will be admitted before the arraignment starts to take pictures for several minutes until they must stop, with cameras allowed in the hallways of the building. District attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, AMSTERDAM: A Dutch high-speed passenger train slammed into heavy construction equipment and derailed near The Hague early yesterday, killing one person and injuring 30. The train travelling from Leiden to The Hague hit a crane on the track near the village of Voorschoten at around 3.30am (9.30am in Malaysia), while a freight train separately collided with the equipment, rail operators said. The force of the crash left a front double-decker passenger carriage lying in a meadow and a second on its side on an embankment, while two carriages remained on the tracks, AFP reporters at the scene said. Heavy scorch marks could be seen on one carriage, and Dutch media reported a fire had broken out after the accident. “We heard a bang first and then later a much more intense one,” said local resident Chris van Engelenburg, 36. “Then we heard people screaming. It was not good.” The train was carrying around 50 people when it crashed, Dutch authorities said. Dutch railways regularly run services during the night on key intercity lines. “One person has died and at least 30 people have been injured. The seriously injured are being taken to hospital, while 11 are at homes of nearby residents,” Hollands Midden emergency services said. “Specialists are working to secure the train.” The freight train’s electric locomotive was severely damaged but the driver had been medically examined and was “fine”, operator DB Cargo said. Dutch rail network company ProRail’s CEO John Voppen said it was a “black day for the Dutch railways”. “The damage is massive, I have not seen anything like this. But fortunately, this does not happen often in the Netherlands,” said ProRail spokesman Jeroen Wienen at the scene. “Several different investigations have now been started and we want to find out exactly what has happened.” Both the tracks and the electricity lines had been damaged, he said.– AFP Jury orders Tesla to pay former worker in racism case WASHINGTON: A San Francisco jury on Monday ordered Tesla to pay a black former employee nearly US$3.2 million (RM14 million) for turning a blind eye to racism at the electric car maker’s Silicon Valley plant. The verdict in the retrial was a victory of sorts for Tesla, which had been ordered to pay Owen Diaz US$137 million by a jury when the original trial ended in October 2021. A judge later reduced the amount in keeping with legal standards, but Diaz rejected the judge’s proffered damages amount in favour of a new trial. Diaz was an elevator operator at Tesla’s California factory between June 2015 and July 2016, where he was subjected to racist abuse and a hostile work environment, according to the court filing. In his lawsuit filed in 2017, Diaz said African American employees at the factory, where his son also worked, were regularly subjected to racist epithets and derogatory imagery. Instead of a modern workplace, the plaintiffs “encountered a scene straight from the Jim Crow era”, said the suit, originally filed by Diaz, his son, and a third former employee. Diaz alleged that despite complaints to supervisors, Tesla took no action over the regular racist abuse. Following the original verdict in the suit, a Tesla human resource vice-president downplayed the allegations of racist abuse in the lawsuit but acknowledged that Tesla “was not perfect” when Diaz worked there. The company also said at the time that conditions have improved in the workplace since Diaz worked there. – AFP who led the investigation, will later give a news conference in the afternoon. Trump will return to Florida and deliver remarks from Mar-a-Lago at 8.15pm on Tuesday (8.15am today in Malaysia), his office said. The specific charges in the indictment by a grand jury convened are due to be disclosed on Tuesday. Yahoo News said Trump would face 34 felony counts for falsification of business records. Citing a single source briefed on the arraignment procedures, Yahoo said none of the charges against Trump were misdemeanours. Police over the weekend began erecting barricades near Trump Tower and the Manhattan Criminal Court, with demonstrations expected at both sites on Tuesday. The city’s mayor warned potential rabble rousers to behave. “Our message is clear and simple: Control yourselves. New York City is our home, not a playground for your misplaced anger,” Eric Adams said. – Reuters

7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 Australia bans TikTok on govt devices CANBERRA: Australia said yesterday it will ban TikTok on government devices, joining a growing list of Western nations cracking down on the Chinese-owned app due to national security fears. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the decision followed advice from the country’s intelligence agencies and would begin “as soon as practicable”. Australia is the last member of the secretive Five Eyes security alliance to pursue a government TikTok ban, joining its allies the United States, Britain, Canada and New Zealand. France, the Netherlands and the European Commission have made similar moves. Dreyfus said the government would approve some exemptions on a “case-by-case basis” with “appropriate security mitigations in place”. Cybersecurity experts have warned that the app – which boasts more than one billion global users – could be used to hoover up data that is then shared with the Chinese government. Surveys have estimated that as many as seven million Australians use the app – or about a quarter of the population. In a security notice outlining the ban, the Attorney-General’s Department said TikTok posed “significant security and privacy risks” stemming from the “extensive collection of user data”. China condemned the ban, saying it had “lodged stern representations” with Canberra over the move and urging Australia to “provide Chinese companies with a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment”. “China has always maintained that the issue of data security should not be used as a tool to generalise the concept of national security, abuse state power and unreasonably suppress companies from other countries,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning. The security concerns are underpinned by a 2017 Chinese law that requires local firms to hand over personal data to the state if it is relevant to national security. Beijing has denied these reforms pose a threat to ordinary users. China “has never and will not require companies or individuals to collect or provide data located in a foreign country, in a way that violates local law”, Mao said in March. TikTok has said such bans are “rooted in xenophobia” while insisting that it is not owned or operated by the Chinese government. The company’s Australian spokesman Lee Hunter said it would “never” give data to the Chinese government. “No one is working harder to make sure this would never be a possibility,” he told Australia’s Channel Seven. – AFP India rejects China’s renaming of places along disputed border NEW DELHI: India rejected yesterday the renaming by China of places in what New Delhi regards as its eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims as part of its territory. China and India fought a war along parts of their poorly demarcated 3,800km frontier in 1962 and clashes in mountainous regions in recent years have seriously strained relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours. The latest angry exchange of words was triggered on Sunday when China’s Civil Affairs Ministry issued a statement in which it said it had “standardised” the names of 11 places, including five mountains, in what China calls its southern Tibet region. The statement included a map that showed the 11 places renamed by China as being within “Zangnan”, or southern Tibet in Chinese, with Arunachal Pradesh included in southern Tibet and China’s border with India demarcated as just north of Brahmaputra River. India rejected that. “Arunachal Pradesh is, has been and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India,” Indian foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said on Twitter. But a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said the name changes were “completely within the scope of China’s sovereignty”. “The southern Tibet region is Chinese territory,” Mao Ning told a regular media briefing in Beijing yesterday. – Reuters B R I E F SARDERN TO HELP TACKLE ONLINE EXTREMISM WELLINGTON: Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern will help tackle violent extremism online as she looks ahead to a life after politics. Ardern stepped down as prime minister in January, saying she had “no more in the tank” to lead the country and would also not seek re-election to parliament. The government said Ardern will serve as an unpaid special envoy for the Christchurch Call, an initiative she co-founded in 2019 to bring together countries and technology companies to combat extremism. Attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city, in March 2019 killed 51 people and wounded 40. The white supremacist gunman live-streamed part of the assault on Facebook. – Reuters BLAZE AT DAM CONSTRUCTION CAMP IN PAKISTAN ISLAMABAD: A fire ripped through the camp of a Chinese company managing the construction of a remote hydropower dam in northwestern Pakistan yesterday. Since 2015, Beijing has poured billions of dollars into Pakistan under an investment scheme known as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Police said yesterday’s pre-dawn blaze ruined a warehouse complex for the Dasu hydropower project in the Kohistan district of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. “It was a huge fire,” a Rescue 1122 official at the site told AFP. “It was quite a big storehouse, and apart from oil drums, stationery and machinery were also stockpiled there. That’s all been destroyed in the fire.” – AFP US speaker confirms meeting with Tsai BEIJING: China vowed yesterday to “firmly defend” its national sovereignty ahead of a meeting between Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California this week. Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said Beijing would “closely monitor the situation and firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity” after McCarthy confirmed the talks the day before. China claims the democratic island of Taiwan as part of its territory to be retaken one day and, under its “One-China” principle, no country may maintain official ties with both Beijing and Taipei. It has already warned McCarthy, a oBeijing vows to defend sovereignty, warns of ‘further damage’ to ties Republican, that he would be “playing with fire” by meeting Tsai. “China is strongly opposed to the US arranging for Tsai Ing-wen to transit through its territory, and is strongly opposed to the meeting between House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the third-ranking US official, and Tsai Ing-wen,” Mao said. “It seriously violates the One-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and seriously undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Tsai plans to stop over in the US on her return from Central America, where she has met the leaders of Guatemala and is visiting Belize before meeting McCarthy. McCarthy’s office said on Monday the “bipartisan” meeting would take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, just outside Los Angeles. He had originally planned to follow the example of his predecessor as speaker, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, who visited Taiwan in August. That visit prompted China to conduct its largest-ever military exercises around Taiwan. McCarthy’s decision to meet Tsai in the US was viewed as a compromise that would underscore support for Taiwan but avoid inflaming tensions with China. However, Xu Xueyuan, charge d’affaires of China’s embassy to the US, told reporters last week that Washington risked “serious confrontation” no matter whether American leaders visited Taiwan or the reverse. “The US keeps saying that transit is not a visit and that there are precedents, but we should not use past mistakes as excuses for repeating them today.” Xu urged Washington “not to repeat playing with fire on the Taiwan question”, alluding among other things to last year’s visit to Taiwan by Pelosi. China’s consulate in Los Angeles said on Monday the meeting in California would “greatly hurt the national feelings of 1.4 billion Chinese people” and “further damage China-US relations”. – AFP Huge fire engulfs market in Bangladeshi capital DHAKA: Hundreds of Bangladeshi firefighters were mobilised in the capital yesterday to battle an inferno that raged through a popular clothing market and blanketed the city’s oldest neighbourhoods in black smoke. No casualties have been reported so far, but shop owners and fire officials told reporters that the Bongo Bazar market and three adjacent commercial precincts had been almost completely gutted. “Some 600 firefighters are working to bring the fire under control,” said fire department spokesman Rakibul Islam, adding that the blaze began around dawn. A military spokesman said in a statement that an air force helicopter had joined the firefighting effort. Aerial footage from the chopper showed hundreds of people watching the fire from a nearby overpass. The market is a popular destination for cut-price Western fashion brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, selling clothes that were produced in the city’s garment factories but failed to meet export standards. Distraught shop owners told reporters the blaze had left them destitute. “I borrowed 1.5 million taka (RM62,000) to buy Eid clothing,” one business owner said. “I’ve lost everything.”– AFP Firefighters trying to extinguish the blaze in Dhaka yesterday. – AFPPIC

8 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 SPEAK UP Beware of cheap or free tours ACCORDING to data on the World Health Organisation website, 6,887,000 Covid-19 fatalities and 761,402,282 confirmed cases have been reported since its outbreak in early 2020. Many businesses have suffered while exploitative activities were curtailed due to the travel restrictions and lockdowns imposed during that period. Tourism hit rock bottom in 2021 and only started to recover in 2022. Malaysia recorded only 98,053 tourists arrivals for the first quarter (Q1) of last year. However, after international travel restrictions were lifted in April and conditions eased in May, the figure rocketed to 2,034,107 in Q2. The number shot up to 3,424,121 and 4,514,683 in Q3 and Q4, respectively, ending the year with 10,070,964 – a far cry from only 134,728 in 2021. In comparison, the number of tourists to Thailand last year was around 11.5 million, not much higher than Malaysia. However, the Thai government is expecting 25 million to 30 million foreign tourists this year, which is higher than the 15.6 million targetted for Malaysia by our tourism board in its January forecast and 16.1 million announced in February by the Tourism, Arts and Culture minister. Meanwhile, the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports has found that several travel agencies in China are advertising travel packages that are significantly below tour operating costs since the opening of the Chinese border to international travel without restrictions on Feb 6. Such packages are often referred to as “zero-dollar”, “zero-fare”, “zero-fee” or “zero-cost” tours but are technically incorrect. If they are free, they would have raised red flags. Instead, the packages were sold at a substantial discount that bargain hunters find hard to resist. And not everyone is smart enough to know that there is no such thing as a “free lunch”. Naive tourists will be shepherded to buy things from shops that later pay out commissions to be shared by the outbound tour operator, tour leader, inbound tour operator, tourist guide and bus driver. Tourists will initially be coaxed to make purchases and if persuasions fail, then insults, threats and other forms of pressure will be applied, causing any tourist in a foreign land to feel vulnerable. Zero-cost tours started in the 1980s when inbound tour operators in Singapore provided airport transfers and sightseeing for tour groups without charging outbound tour operators in China, confident that they could recoup operating costs and profits from shopping commissions alone. There was a time in Malaysia when some enterprising freelance tourist guides paid inbound tour operators for a chance to handle tour groups from China, instead of being paid tour guiding fees, which is the normal practice. Before the pandemic, unsuspecting foreigners were drawn to join cheap tours departing from major cities, like Beijing. Some event organisers in Malaysia bought such packages and gave them away as lucky draw prizes to attract larger crowds to their events. In 2019, a Malaysian couple were thrilled to win a seven days and six nights tour for two to Beijing, and bought affordable return tickets with a budget airline. Upon arrival, they checked into a five-star hotel and signed an agreement to join the tour. However, the quality of the hotels from the second night onwards left much to be desired. They were also insulted for not spending enough at shopping stops that was included in the daily sightseeing tours. On the third day, dissatisfied with the deal, the couple decided to opt out of the tour. However, they were shown the agreement they had signed, which required them to pay the full cost of the package upon cancellation, and the amount was substantial. The couple were in a fix and decided to continue with the tour and spend more, rather than pay a large sum as compensation and get nothing out of it. We ought to be vigilant and not allow such situations to happen in Malaysia. We should also be wary of cheap tours overseas. Apart from outright scams where there is no show after payments being made, it can be risky to bypass local tour operators to look for bargains. And remember, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. While goods nearing expiry dates or have gone out of style may be sold at a discount, the same will not apply for promissory services that have yet to be rendered. Always adopt the maxim of paying others reasonably for their services, just as we expect others to pay us fairly for our labour. Those who do not are not treating others equitably and could easily fall victim to scammers. YS Chan is a master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course as well as an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a transport and training consultant and writer. Comments: [email protected] “We should be wary of cheap tours overseas. Apart from outright scams where there is no show after payments being made, it can be risky to bypass local tour operators to look for bargains. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Using biotechnology to tackle food security RECENTLY, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup highlighted that biotechnology can address Malaysia’s food security challenges, (“30 BioNexus-status companies penetrate global market early this year: Arthur”, theSun, March 22). Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation, which drives biotechnology growth under Mosti, supports this viewpoint. The agency assists organisations in developing innovative solutions to tackle food security challenges, such as food supply shortages, rising production costs and increasing food prices. While biotechnology innovations may not solve all the issues, they can offer practical solutions to significantly alleviate these challenges. Firstly, biotechnology can lower food production costs by reducing input and raw material expenses. Local firms are producing alternative protein sources from plants and insects, such as Black Soldier Fly larvae, that can be converted into protein-rich animal feed. This approach reduces reliance on costly imported animal feed like maize and addresses food waste. The global insect feed market is predicted to reach RM9.7 billion by 2031, with the fly larvae segment projected to have the highest revenue and fastest compound annual growth rate of 26.5% from 2022 to 2031, according to Allied Market Research. Biotechnology will undoubtedly contribute to this substantial growth. Malaysian companies are adopting advanced technologies to increase breeding and production of crops and vegetables like rice, cucumber and chili. For instance, molecular breeding enables farmers to identify the best crop varieties without waiting for the plant to physically grow, while tissue culture allows for the production of crops, without relying on seed germination time. These innovations can save farmers significant time and produce crops with desirable traits, such as high yield and diseaseresistant, leading to increased productivity and profitability. Local biotechnology firms are also using palm oil mill waste and agro byproducts to create biofertilisers and organic composts, enhancing crop yields by up to 40%, thus harnessing the power of beneficial microbes. These products increase nutrient availability and revitalise soil health through nitrogen fixation and phosphate and potassium solubilisation. Using biofertilisers and biopesticides can also reduce reliance on harmful chemical fertilisers and pesticides, thus enhancing resistance to pests and diseases, reducing soil degradation, water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, advancements in cellular technology have enabled companies to produce alternative proteins like seafood and meat in laboratories without conventional farming methods, therefore, reducing water consumption, land space and greenhouse gas emissions. The inaugural cultivated meat conference officiated by the deputy minister in Kuala Lumpur on March 16 marked a significant step towards securing the future of food in Malaysia. Research and Markets estimates that by 2040, 60% of meat products will be produced in bioreactors and sold in stores and restaurants worldwide. A local biotechnology company plans to set up Malaysia’s first cultivated meat production facility in Penang in 2024, revolutionising the food landscape and offering an alternative option to feed the growing population. Malaysian biotechnology companies are making significant strides but larger scale implementation is needed for profound impact on food security. Mosti’s National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation and National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 provide a solid framework, but practical implementation by public and private stakeholders is necessary. Tax incentives under BioNexus Status and awareness programmes are helpful but user engagement is crucial for biotechnology to be effective. Without users, biotechnology will remain theoretical without real-world impact on food security. Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation. Comments: [email protected]. COMMENT by YS Chan COMMENT by Mohd Khairul Fidzal

9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 To forgive is to spread goodness TWO days from now, Christians will be commemorating Good Friday that precedes Easter Sunday. Good Friday marks the day that Jesus Christ was crucified after a public ministry of between three and four years. There is some recognition of its importance as Good Friday is a public holiday in Sabah and Sarawak. Every religion attracts a faithful membership and also carries broad appeal for many non-followers across the planet. This is because all founders of religion lived impactful lives, being the greatest of personages in their times. As with every founder of any religion, Jesus’ life comprised both local and global dimensions, enabling the Gospel to acquire international relevance. What universal significance does Good Friday carry? Has it any moral relevance for humanity today? The Jewish religious elite in Romanoccupied Israel 2,000 years ago had accused Jesus of blasphemy and claiming to be the king of the Jews. Pilate, the Roman governor who conducted the trial, found Jesus to be harmless and wanted to set him free. But at the insistence of his accusers, Pilate sentenced Jesus to death. The Romans practised crucifixion as it was a form not merely of execution but of public humiliation to deter others from committing crimes. The convicted person would be flogged and then nailed to a cross. Crucifixion was horrific, and in Jesus’ case, he suffered for six hours before dying. But in spite of the excruciating pain, Jesus thought of his executioners and said a prayer for them as recorded in Luke (23:34): “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” This is why it is called Good Friday; to forgive is to spread goodness. However, do not wait for death before you forgive. Jesus taught with a deep sense of urgency that forgiveness and reconciliation are more important than worship. If you remember that someone is bearing a grudge against you, act immediately. “Do not lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him,” said Jesus. Most of us have at some time in our lives been hurt physically or emotionally by others – parents, children, siblings, relatives, friends, workplace colleagues, fellow leaders. But we have also done our fair share of hurting others. Do not ponder who should make the first move. You should do it quickly. Forgiveness should begin at home. Not many parents realise that their children see them as objects of love as well as hate. One day you are the fairy godmother or Wizard of Oz, and the next day you are a wicked witch or frightening ogre because you speak harshly towards them. Parents want obedience, children want autonomy. When children are disobedient, parents interpret their action as rebellion. When parents get tough, children interpret their action as suppression. Resentment may build up in both directions, with adverse consequences affecting even family harmony. Birthday, new year or religious celebrations are a time to seek forgiveness for hurtful words and to forgive for being at the receiving end. One 40-year-old, Jonathan, on his birthday recently wrote to his sister towards whom he had held a grudge for many years. “Forgive me,” he wrote. “For years this chain has hardened my heart and resulted in our poor relationship.” To his younger brother he wrote: “I have not been a good brother to you while you were growing up. Forgive me for my selfishness and abandoning you for the many times you may have needed a brother.” Jonathan tells this writer: “Forgiveness is a choice and it is a matter of our own heart’s posture whether we feel the receiving party deserves it or not.” Seven years ago, Tenaga Nasional Berhad took out a full-page advertisement that said: “A forgiving heart can right all wrongs. Nothing warms the heart quite like forgiveness. Bridging every kind of difference, it restores the bonds between us with ease, assuring all is as it should be. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf Zahir dan Batin.” These are words that all Malaysians, regardless of their religion, should recite when the celebratory weekend arrives some two weeks later. The benefit of forgiveness is reciprocity. If you do not forgive the wrong that others do to you, neither will you be forgiven your offences. Jesus made clear that there should be no limits on the frequency of forgiveness. The disciple Peter asked how many times should he forgive a person ... up to seven times? Jesus replied: “I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Should you forgive an offender only if his wrongdoing does not cause you too much harm? Not in Jesus’ book, for he also said: “There is nothing done or said that cannot be forgiven.” Forgiveness prevents a grievance from imprisoning you in the past, and medical researchers have gathered evidence that abandoning resentment, anger and a desire for revenge can improve heart function, lower blood pressure, diminish chronic pain, relieve depression and boost the quality of life. Cardiologist Dr Douglas Russell found that the coronary function of patients who had suffered a heart attack improved after undergoing a course in forgiveness. However, research psychologist Loren Toussaint warned that it is harmful to misdirect forgiveness by turning it into selfblame as that will make you seven times more likely to become depressed. If you are a victim of a Macao scam, do not blame yourself for being easily intimidated. Demand that your bank take preventive measures. Forgiveness includes the ability to strike a reconciliatory pose in meeting opposing demands so as to defuse conflict. Some Pharisees, members of a religious party, decided to lay a trap for Jesus and asked him whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, whom the Jews felt resentment towards. Jesus asked them to bring out a coin with the image and inscription of Caesar. His reply – “Give to Caesar what is his, and give to God what is his” – rendered the Pharisees speechless. It was Nelson Mandela who established the gold standard for political reconciliation. He had entered prison with a mind full of resentment, he left prison after 27 years with a mind full of love as he had time every day to reflect on the good points of his enemies. He did not wait for the whites to apologise. After becoming president of South Africa, Mandela incorporated white people into the mainstream of the new apartheid-free nation without displaying any bitterness towards them. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has done a Mandela move in getting two sworn political rivals – DAP and Umno – to reconcile and work alongside each other to promote national interest above party biases. Malaysia will do well if Anwar is allowed his full tenure as premier. You, too, should make a Mandela move with your estranged ones on Good Friday. The writer champions interfaith harmony. Comments: [email protected] Good Friday marks the day that Jesus Christ was crucified. – REUTERSPIC Eliminate monopolies to protect consumers THE Competition Act 2010 promotes “competitive prices, improvement in the quality of products and services and provides wider choices for consumers”. The Act, although often underrated, is one of the most important legislation for protecting consumers and enhancing consumer welfare. Recognising the critical role that competition law and policies play in the welfare of consumers, and guided by the international consumer movement, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has been advocating for the Competition Law since 1998, until it was finally passed in 2010. While many laws have direct or indirect impact on consumers, the Consumer Protection Act 1999 and Competition Act 2010 are the two most crucial consumer protection laws in Malaysia. The difference between the two is the extent of the impact it has on consumers. For example, take Touch ‘n Go, if an individual is dissatisfied with its products or services, they can file a complaint with the Consumer Tribunal under the Consumer Protection Act. Assuming the consumer wins his case and gets a fair redress, he will alone benefit, while other consumers do not benefit. However, if the monopoly of Touch ‘n Go is eliminated and a free and open market payment system is established under the Competition Act, then not one consumer but millions may benefit from a single complaint. The company may perhaps lower rates, offer better services and innovative products as well as be more receptive to issues and complaints. When consumers have choices, they will mostly base them on the best deal. In a free market, suppliers need to compete on prices, quality and customer service to attract new consumers, which will ensure market efficiency. Thus, competition polices have a vast impact on the entire market, with millions of consumers benefitting. In addition, when monopolies are broken, more opportunities are opened for new entrepreneurs to enter the market with innovative products. Monopolies and cartels can also severely distort prices to the detriment of consumers. For example, in the food supply chain, monopolies and cartels have been reported to severely manipulate prices. According to a market review conducted in 2019 by the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC), it was confirmed that one of the key reasons for the high food prices is distortions and manipulations in the food supply chain. For example, the price of ikan kembong increased six times from the time it was sold by the fisherman until it was bought by the consumer. Another example is the price of cabbage, which cost RM1.60/kg at the farm but consumers paid a retail price of RM3.90/kg. MyCC identified various causes for the exorbitant food prices in the report, which included market manipulation by middlemen and multiple intermediaries. Clearly, monopolies and cartels are the cause for the suffering of consumers, particularly those from the low and middle income, while they enjoy exorbitant profits. While MyCC has been conducting studies to determine monopolistic practices in the market, it is not enough. Competition laws and the commission must make an effort to break monopolies and establish a free and open market for the benefit of consumers. Although the study on the food supply chain and market distortions was conducted in 2019, we are still being plagued with exorbitant food prices. Fomca has been continuously advocating for an open and free market on all essential food, medicines as well as essential services. We are thankful that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recognises the sufferings of the rakyat, especially the B40 and M40 group, due to the significant increase in cost of living, especially related to food, and is reviewing the entire monopolistic structure. MyCC must understand the significant role it plays in ensuring a better quality of life for consumers. Besides identifying monopolistic practices in the economy, the commission needs to engage with the relevant stakeholders to break monopolies and ensure a free and open market. An effective commission, with a proper leadership, will ensure that consumers are protected and can enjoy lower prices, better quality and wider choices, which is the right way forward. Paul Selva Raj, Secretary-General, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT By Paul Selva Raj “Resentment may build up in both directions, with adverse consequences affecting even family harmony. Birthday, new year or religious celebrations are a time to seek forgiveness for hurtful words and to forgive for being at the receiving end.

10 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 MEDIA & MARKETING Get a jump start today on creating a successful tomorrow! For the best in local and international higher education institutions, catch theSun's fortnightly Education Focus. FOCUS 2023 EDUCATION Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Towards greener living GREENSTEPS Malaysia and Panasonic Malaysia partnered to focus on creating a low-carbon community by supporting TTDI residents to take action on climate action under the Food Waste to Wealth initiative. The partners emphasise naturebased community solutions and the importance of carbon emissions reduction data to guide climate action. Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Haji Mahadi Che Ngah launched the initiative at the Quartet cafe at TTDI, which implements source separation on March 30. Under the initiative, the residents have to practice a separate source system to separate organic, recyclable, and non-recyclable waste, and by doing so, they could drive waste away from landfills. Panasonic and Greensteps are organising a three-month Food Waste to Wealth contest, ending June 30, 2023, where TTDI residents stand a chance to win up to RM15,000 in cash vouchers. Participating residents must separate their waste into three categories: 0 organic waste (food waste), 0 recyclable waste (plastics, aluminium, glass, paper, and e-waste) and 0 non-recyclable waste (face masks, soiled diapers, and sanitary products). To win RM10,000 worth of Panasonic vouchers, residents are required to download the GreenSteps Malaysia app and register “household” account to begin recording the amount of food waste composted. By doing this, residents can consistently track and measure carbon reduction emissions while collecting GreenPoints. Residents who accumulate GreenPoints and key in their data into the app will be rewarded with up to RM5,000 worth of vouchers redeemable at participating GreenSteps cafes in TTDI. Going green for the future At the event, Mahadi said: “The programme is timely and much needed as we look into creative ways of sustainable living. “The Food Waste to Wealth initiative is crucial as it addresses one of the most significant challenges we face today – climate change.” He hopes that such initiatives will further encourage many more KL (from left) Azlan Yaacob, KL Mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah and Keisuke Nishida holding the three different types of sources, non-recyclable, organic and recyclable. oTaman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) residents are encouraged to transition towards a lowcarbon community More thirst-quenching offerings COCA-COLA Malaysia has refreshed its collaboration with leading cinema exhibitor, Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) with the signing of a new beverage concession agreement, extending their over three-decade strategic partnership. The memorandum of understanding was signed today by Louis Balat Joseph, Chief Executive Officer of the Bottling Investments Group for Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei and Koh Mei Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Screen Cinemas at an event held at Aurum Theatre. “We are extremely proud to grow our strategic partnership with GSC and continue to offer a ‘Real Magic’ experience with our refreshing range of beverages. This renewed significant synergy represents a strong foundation for our collective success and a testament to the trust and commitment we have in each other,” said Joseph. Movie lovers can enjoy not only ice-cold Coke but other popular brands under the Coca-Cola portfolio like Sprite, Fanta, A&W, Ayataka, a line-up of its Heaven & Earth range and refreshing fruit drink Minute Maid Pulpy Orange. Film fans can also opt for customised products, such as over-the-counter combo sets or pre-purchased e-combo sets through GSC Website or the GSC Mobile App. “With a close-knit partnership spanning over 3 decades, our renewed partnership with Coca-Cola Malaysia represents a significant milestone as part of our growth strategy. Aligned with creating enriching cinematic experiences, we continuously innovate our offerings to provide greater accessibility and value to movie-goers, now with a wider range of products, promotions and exclusive offers brought to us by Coca-Cola Malaysia that can be enjoyed across our cinema locations,” said Koh. To commemorate this renewed partnership, CocaCola and GSC will embark on a unique limited-edition giveaway for customers, with a chance to win a one-of-a-kind and elegant Coca-Cola Vespa! To participate, all you need to do is spend more than RM50 in a single transaction for movie tickets and Coca-Cola combos at GSC cinemas throughout the campaign period between April to May. Motorbike enthusiasts can also experience the Vespa Bike Display, which will be showcased at selected GSC locations during this time. GSC will feature an exquisite wayang kulit exhibition displayed at Aurum Theatre, The Gardens Mall from now to May 8, 2023. Brought to life by local contemporary visual artist and co-founder of Fusion Wayang Kulit, Tintoy Chuo, the exhibition depicts the story and evolution of the partnership between both brands, with a modern twist on tradition told through the art of wayang kulit. (from left) Koh and Joseph are pictured here after signing the MOU. residents to manage waste at home in the next three months. GreenSteps Malaysia’s chief founder Azlan Yaacob said GreenSteps was established in 2018, but the journey began in 2014 when he asked the TTDI Residents Association whether they would consider promoting green issues in TTDI. Since then, the TTDI residents have attended their first composting workshop and set up a community garden and recycling centre. Azlan said Malaysia spends a large amount of money on waste management. “Everyday people, individuals, and households can play a significant part, especially by practicing source separation.” It helps improve to higher rate the better quality of recycling. He said food waste can be treated by households, for an example coffee grounds or tea leaves can be easily composted nearby and diverted away from landfills. Panasonic Malaysia’s Managing Director Keisuke Nishida said they are very excited about the collaboration to support TTDI residents. “Our brand action tagline, “Create Today, Enrich Tomorrow,“ underpins our commitment to make progress towards a greener planet, and we are delighted to form a strategic partnership with GreenSteps Malaysia to support the TTDI community in its transition towards a low-carbon society,” said Nishida. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/GreenSteps Malaysia, and the Greensteps Malaysia App. Nishida and Yaacob hope to inspire KL residents to manage waste at home. █ BYS. TAMARAI CHELVI

KLCI 1,429.61 STI 3,311.12 30.04 HANG SENG 20,274.59 SCI 3,312.56 16.16 NIKKEI 28,287.42 3.78 TSEC 99.27 KOSPI 2,480.51 CLOSED S&P/ASX200 7,236.00 13.00 WEDNESDAY APRIL 5, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] 5 MOST ACTIVES April 4, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) FITTERS 81,822,400 8.0 UNCH REACH 75,508,900 5.5 -2.0 BSLCORP-WB 70,200,500 1.0 UNCH VINVEST 63,315,300 20.5 UNCH CYPARK 62,760,500 84.5 +12.5 EXCHANGERATES APRIL 4, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.4690 4.3350 4.3250 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0520 2.9310 2.9150 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.3670 3.2690 3.2610 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.3240 3.2350 3.2230 1 EURO 4.8810 4.7220 4.7020 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8300 2.7260 2.7100 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.3670 3.2690 3.2610 1 STERLING POUND 5.5570 5.3820 5.3620 1 SWISS FRANC 4.8810 4.7700 4.7550 100 UAE DIRHAM 123.0900 116.7100 116.5100 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.3160 4.0490 3.8490 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 65.0000 62.5000 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 57.5400 54.6800 54.4800 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.5300 5.1900 4.9900 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0309 0.0280 0.0230 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.3800 3.2730 3.2630 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6000 1.4900 1.2900 100 PHILIPPINE PESO N/A N/A N/A 100 QATAR RIYAL 123.5500 117.2800 117.0800 100 SAUDI RIYAL 120.4600 114.3500 114.1500 100 SOUTH AFRICA RAND 26.0100 23.4900 23.2900 100 THAI BAHT 13.6600 12.1200 11.7200 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY April 4, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,492.60 -8.82 FBMKLCI 1,429.61 -3.78 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 577.47 +0.31 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 173.16 +0.10 CONSTRUCTION 161.33 +1.79 FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,779.50 -20.50 ENERGY 875.70 +9.94 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 600.77 -0.23 HEALTH CARE 1,785.82 -6.94 TRANSPORTATION 914.17 +1.92 PROPERTY 701.30 +7.17 PLANTATION 6,707.58 -71.60 FBMSHA 10,794.60 -17.00 FBMACE 5,329.93 +17.81 TECHNOLOGY 63.43 +0.08 TURNOVER VALUE 2.626 BIL RM1.731 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS April 4, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM HEIM 129,100 27.20 +0.58 KESM 7,300 7.55 +0.45 HEXTECH 12,100 24.02 +0.30 F&N 26,800 25.96 +0.26 MPI 265,700 29.26 +0.20 5 TOP LOSERS April 4, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM KLK 347,200 20.70 -0.32 HLFG 87,400 18.06 -0.32 ALLIANZ 19,600 13.68 -0.22 ORIENT 100 6.56 -0.19 BKAWAN 13,400 21.34 -0.16 M’sia to gain from China’s blockchain tech for PCO KUALA LUMPUR: The blockchain technology for Preferential Certificate of Origin (PCO) system from China will better facilitate Malaysia’s exports to China. In a statement, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) said this system, through its proposed single window framework, aims to improve trade facilitation and reduce technical barriers by offering more efficient and secure processing of goods originating from Malaysia to China. “Furthermore, adopting an e-system between Malaysia and China could greatly benefit businesses, including streamlining the customs clearance process and reducing storage costs at China ports. “The cooperation is also expected to provide opportunities for human resource capacity building and knowledge sharing, while the e-system supports the development of a green economy,” it said. Miti said that to support mutual recognition of digital certificates of origin under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework, Malaysia welcome the initiative to implement cooperative dialogue with The General Administration of Customs of China. It said Malaysia will be represented by the ministry, the Royal Malaysian Customs Adopting an e-system between Malaysia and China could greatly benefit businesses, including streamlining the customs clearance process and reducing storage costs at China ports, says Miti. – AFPPIX oE-system can facilitate exports, boost bilateral trade and reduce technical barriers, says Miti Pharmaniaga assures suppliers on payment issues SHAH ALAM: Pharmaniaga Bhd has assured all vendors and suppliers that the group is confident the current delay in payments will be resolved and normalised earliest by the end of the month. In a fruitful meeting held on Monday with the Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia (PhAMA), Pharmaniaga addressed the association’s concerns regarding its Practice Note 17 status and issues pertaining to delays in payment to its suppliers. The company briefed that most of its obligations to the suppliers have since been cleared, and it will continue to honour all commitments to ensure patients’ access to medicine remains uninterrupted and continues to be intact. Pharmaniaga also explained that its core business activities in research & development, manufacturing, logistics & distribution, sales & marketing as well as Indonesian operations are proceeding as usual and not affected by the current situation. Certain moving forward action plans have been agreed upon by both parties, which include more proactive engagements in addressing operational issues with regards to the medicines and non-medicines supplies to the government and private healthcare facilities. Both parties will also work closer towards creating a more consistent and predictable ecosystem that encourages stable operations. Among those present at the meeting were PhAMA’s board members Tan Sri Ariffin Yusuf and Louis-George Lasonnery, executive director Chan Li Jin, and representatives from Zuellig Pharma, Roche Malaysia, Lundbeck Malaysia, Novartis Malaysia, Sanofi Malaysia, DKSH Holdings Malaysia and Novo Nordisk Malaysia. Pharmaniaga was represented by deputy CEO Zulkifli Jafar and commercial director Zulhazri Razali. Pharmaniaga is one of Malaysia’s largest listed integrated pharmaceutical groups and a subsidiary of Boustead Holdings. PM: No need to continue depending on US dollar in investments KUALA LUMPUR: There is no reason for a country like Malaysia to continue to depend on the US dollar in attracting investments into the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. He said negotiations between Malaysia and other countries should use the currencies of both countries. According to him, Bank Negara Malaysia has also made a proposal to pioneer the said method in matters of trade during visits to China using ringgit and renminbi. “A more important matter is about the Asian Monetary Fund and the initial stage that I had proposed as the finance minister which was not well received in Asia because at that time the US dollar was very strong. “But now with the economic strength of China, Japan and so on, I think this proposal should be negotiated at least about the Asian Monetary Fund and can utilise the ringgit and the country’s currency accordingly,” he said in reply to an additional question from M Kulasegaran (PH-Ipoh Barat) on whether the government will join most countries that no longer want to use the US dollar in trade transactions. – Bernama Department (RMCD), and other related agencies which will be part of the dialogue with the GACC on the development of the system. “Initiatives such as this blockchain system for PCO will further bolster Malaysia-China trade ties, building on China’s existing track record of being Malaysia’s largest trading partner for the past 14 years, as well as the momentum created by the implementation of the RCEP between Asean countries and its five free trade agreement partners, including China,” it said. Under RCEP, Miti said participating countries aim to eliminate or reduce tariffs on a wide range of goods, which can increase trade and investment flows between member countries, and support intellectual property rights protection, ecommerce and economic cooperation. By lowering barriers to trade and investment, the RCEP aims to promote economic growth and enhance regional integration in the Asia-Pacific region, it added. – Bernama 8.17 134.59 Participation 48.9 27.9 23.2 100.0 Institutions Retail Foreign Bought RM m 857.3 479.5 394.7 1731.5 Sold RM m 834.3 487.6 409.6 1731.5 Net RM m 23.0 -8.1 -14.9 0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 04/04/2023

12 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 SUNBIZ KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is expected to maintain the status quo of the overnight policy rate (OPR) during the monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting in July this year on the back of Malaysia’s current macroeconomic stability, an economist said. Juwai IQI chief economist Shan Saeed said the central bank has made some prudent and sagacious monetary goals. As a result, it is able to maintain price, monetary and growth stability, and most importantly structural stability in the ringgit. “In October 2022, the ringgit was trading at RM4.78 and people were talking about the local currency touching RM5.50 and RM6 against the US dollar, that the ringgit was going to collapse. We disagreed. “On Nov 24, 2022 when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was appointed (PM10), the ringgit was traded at RM4.48 against the US dollar. It appreciated 1.5% in less than four hours after the announcement was made. “For this year, the ringgit will be trading between RM4.10 and RM4.37 against the greenback and oil prices will be between US$83 and US$127 per barrel,” he told Bernama. Shan noted that the ringgit will be supported by three variables, that is, high oil prices, gross domestic product (GDP) which is expected to grow between 4.5% and 5.5%, and macroeconomic stability. He also opined that Anwar’s recent visit to China will see an upsurge in trade and commerce, together with macroeconomic stability and higher commodity prices. “Furthermore, Malaysia’s budget deficit and debt to GDP ratio will come down because the government will benefit from higher commodity prices, which will give room for fiscal manoeuvring. So BNM will continue to maintain the OPR,” he opined. Shan also stressed that credit should be given to BNM’s governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus as she had preempted many things in 2020. The governor, Shan said, had brought down the OPR from 3% to 1.75%, and very slowly and gradually in a very structured manner, raised the interest rate by 25 basis points (bps), which points to BNM’s confidence in the economy. On the other hand, the Federal Reserve had raised the interest rates by 75 bps, and some banks by 200 bps. That shows those central banks are panicking, he said. “BNM governor has made some sagacious and smart calls and is doing a good job. With the OPR at 2.75% currently, I believed there is no need to raise rates, which can then bolster GDP growth. The most important thing is that the export numbers are on the rise. “We continue to be buoyant about Malaysia’s 2023 economic outlook,” he added. In its Economic and Monetary Review 2022 recently, BNM said the MPC considerations will focus on managing inflation risks while supporting sustainable economic growth in 2023. The central bank said similar to other economies, 2023 will be a challenging year for the Malaysian economy with more moderate economic growth projected and inflation expected to remain elevated. “The MPC will also continue to consider the cumulative impact of past OPR adjustments when formulating future decisions, given the lag effects of monetary policy on the economy,” it said. BNM expected to maintain policy rate at July meeting oRinggit will be supported by three variables, that is, high oil prices, growing GDP and macroeconomic stability: Juwai IQI chief economist Kenanga IB projects Malaysia’s first-quarter GDP growth at 5.1% KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is expected to see a 5.1% gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first quarter of 2023 (Q1’23), following a better manufacturing performance recorded in March 2023, said Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB). Yesterday, S&P Global posted that Malaysia’s seasonally adjusted manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) edged up to a five-month high of 48.8 in March from 48.4 in February, indicating improving demand in the manufacturing sector. In a note yesterday, Kenanga IB also projected the 2023 GDP growth to settle at 4.7%, backed by resilient domestic demand and policy measures under the Budget 2023. “This will be further boosted by higher foreign tourist arrivals and the impact of China’s reopening,” it said. On the performance of the manufacturing sector, Kenanga IB said although the manufacturing PMI remained at a contraction level of 47.9 on average in the first quarter of 2023 against 48.1 in Q4’22, it believed manufacturing activity in the country could sustain a moderate recovery in the coming months. It added that the recovery would be mainly supported by the domestic-oriented sector. A reading above 50% signals an expansion in business activity while a figure below indicates a contraction. – Bernama Malaysia’s trade performance expected to improve in second half of year Anwar’s recent visit to China will see an upsurge in trade and commerce, together with macroeconomic stability and higher commodity prices. – BERNAMAPIX Govt to boost efforts to woo quality investments to six states KUALA LUMPUR: The government will intensify its efforts to attract quality investments and continue to improve the business ecosystem in regions or states that are still underdeveloped in an effort to promote equitable growth between regions and states. According to the Ministry of Economy, the strategic development programme at the regional and state level will be implemented via initiatives driven by the state government and projects led by the private sector. “These efforts are expected to reduce the socioeconomic gap across regions and states, and subsequently help to boost economic growth,” the ministry said in a written reply for the Dewan Negara published on the Parliament’s website yesterday. It said the government will continue to focus on increasing its efforts to accelerate development based on key growth nodes and focus areas. As for the distribution of development allocations, the ministry said that the government is committed to distributing at least 50% of the total basic development allocation to the six underdeveloped states, namely Perlis, Kedah, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak. The total basic development allocation approved under Rolling Plan 3 for 2023 for all six states is RM17.94 billion. Some of the development projects being implemented in the states include the Northern Corridor Economic Region’s infrastructure facilities project in the Chuping Valley development area in Perlis (project cost RM724 million); the development of an industrial area and logistics hub in Sidam, Kedah (RM700 million) and the Kemaman Hospital Construction Project in Terengganu (RM450 million). Other projects are the expansion and upgrading of Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Kota Baru, Kelantan (RM483 million); the People’s Housing Programme project in Pitas, Sabah (RM84.8 million); as well as the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy project for “Integrated Agropark With Dynamic Modern Farming” in Mukah, Sarawak (RM20 million). The ministry added that the government is confident that all the planning and implementation of the development project will contribute to the growth of the underdeveloped states and provide various benefits to the people’s well-being. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s trade performance is expected to show “signs of improvement” in the second half of 2023 (2H23), lifted by the higher demand for goods and services amid a recovery in global economic growth, RHB Research said. For the first half, the trade performance is “expected to be softer on slower outbound shipments of manufactured and commoditybased products,” it said in a research note. “Our cautious view on the trade outlook (for 1H23) is mainly predicated on downside risks stemming from slower growth in advanced economies; the impact of tightening financial conditions; the projected easing in global commodity prices; and uncertainties in geopolitical tensions,” it added. Nevertheless, for the first six months of the year, private consumption is envisaged to remain robust at 5.9% year-on-year (y-o-y) on continued strength in the labour market and household income momentum. Labour market conditions are projected to remain healthy for the year with the unemployment rate averaging at 3.6% y-o-y, further supported by strong job creation from the services sector. Investment spending is projected to expand by 3.6% in 1H23, with expansion from both private and public investment, buoyed by capital spending in services and manufacturing sectors amid a continued drive for greater automation and digitalisation. Public investment is projected to expand further amid the continuation of large-scale transport-related projects such as the East Coast Rail Link, Light Rail Transit Line 3, and the Pan Borneo Highway, the research house noted. RHB Research has maintained its 2023 gross domestic product growth forecast at 5%. For the first half, it expects the economy to expand by 4.6% and by 5.4% in the second half. “Despite the slowdown in external demand, we think that the risks on economic growth itself are limited. The domestic economy is holding up relatively well in our assessment,” it added. RHB is maintaining its forecast peak overnight policy rate of 3.25% versus the current 2.75%. It sees headline inflation at 3.0% and core inflation at 3.5%. – Bernama Labour market conditions are projected to remain healthy for the year with the unemployment rate averaging at 3.6% y-o-y, further supported by strong job creation from the services sector. – BERNAMAPIX

13 * SUNBIZ theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Malaysian investors face multiple ‘new age’ risks: ICMR research KUALA LUMPUR: Many investors today are at risk of suffering fraud, financial exploitation or the effects of unsuitable investments due to the changing nature of financial services, financial decision-making, and access to information, according to research conducted by the Institute for Capital Market Research Malaysia (ICMR). The research report titled “New Age Vulnerabilities: Understanding Investor Vulnerability Within the Malaysian Context” launched yesterday revealed that 84% of survey 2,019 respondents between April and June 2022 said they had received advice on financial products that turned out to be a scam and 36% had lost monies to a scam. Based on the findings, the report highlights that Malaysians experience overlapping vulnerability drivers that impair their ability to make sound financial decisions and as a result, they are more likely to fall victim to scams, be inadequately prepared for retirement, and face everyday difficulties while investing. ICMR’s research was motivated by the need to develop a comprehensive and empirically informed understanding of how Malaysians experience vulnerability in their investment journeys. The study found a wide majority of respondents being exposed to behavioural and access drivers (93%), followed by situational drivers (54%) and industry-related drivers (51%). Within the first category, 64% felt either financially unstable or living paycheque-topaycheque, hence experiencing mental stress. As for situational drivers, 61% felt negatively impacted by difficult events like job loss, income shock, or the deaths of close relatives. Meanwhile, 70% experienced difficulties in engaging with financial service providers. The third Capital Market Masterplan launched by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) in 2021 mentions the “identification and assessment of vulnerable investors” as a top priority over the next five years. As such, ICMR’s research seeks to assist the SC’s enhancement of investor frameworks and protection efforts. In this regard, ICMR recommends a dual and systematic approach to address investor vulnerability in the Malaysian context. Firstly, there is a need to build financial resilience across the population by addressing intersectional vulnerabilities, which include both structural and behavioural barriers. This must then be complemented with a targeted approach to deal with vulnerable investors, including enhanced suitability assessments and regulatory oversight as well as educational and training programmes. MPOA: Consider rising cost of CPO production in windfall profit review KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA) has urged the government to take into consideration the rising cost of production of crude palm oil (CPO) when determining the revised price of the windfall profit levy. Chief executive Joseph Tek said the association also requested that the government review the doubling of the levy rate calculation to 3% from 1.5% for Sabah and Sarawak, which was imposed in 2022, considering (that there is) the State Sales Taxes (SST) of 5% and 7.5% on CPO for both states. “We commend the government for its efforts in addressing the issue of the windfall profit levy, and we look forward to engaging with them in the upcoming review process,” he said in a statement. Yesterday, Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the government will improve the levy collection mechanism and is prepared to review the windfall profit threshold by taking into consideration palm oil production cost. He had said that the windfall profit levy had been collected by the government on crude palm oil, crude palm kernel oil, oil palm fruit and electricity since Jan 1, 1999. Meanwhile, MPOA said that it is important to note that the calculation for the windfall profit levy of 3% is based on the tonnage of fresh fruit bunches production levied against the price threshold of CPO when it is above RM3,000 per tonne in Peninsular Malaysia and RM3,500 per metric tonne in Sabah and Sarawak. In contrast, Sabah and Sarawak’s SST is based on CPO prices on sales volume. – Bernama EY: New consumer spending mindset biggest threat to telcos KUALA LUMPUR: The rising cost of living has driven consumers to readjust their spending priorities, and the failure to readjust to the new consumer spending mindset will be the biggest threat facing telecommunication companies (telcos), said EY Research. According to EY’s “Top 10 Risks in Telecommunications 2023” report, an estimated 60% of households are worried about rising broadband subscription prices, and 45% believe they overpay for content services. “While network reliability remains a consumer pain point, infrastructure resilience and reach have fallen from number one in the ranking for the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic – now at the fifth position as other challenges become even more pressing,” EY said in a statement yesterday. EY Global Telecommunications leader Tom Loozen said in today’s economic climate, consumers are hyper-focused on the value they are getting from telco providers, and telcos ignore this shift at their peril. “The threat is compounded by increasing pressure from regulators, with some demanding that telcos do more to offer consumers’ social tariffs’. “In response, telcos must create clear, simple and secure propositions that reassure and appeal to customers,” he said. Meanwhile, Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd partner Susanna Lim said customers are expected to be more sensitive to pricing due to high inflation rates. “In Malaysia, the government has introduced a new baseline discounted prepaid data plan that costs RM5 per month, called the Unity Package. “This package aims to increase the accessibility of the internet while simultaneously lowering the cost of living for individuals in the lowerincome group, particularly the bottom-40 economic group, veterans, persons with disabilities and senior citizens,” she said. On another note, EY Research revealed that 76% of telcos reported an annual rise in cyber attacks, making cybersecurity the number two risk. – Bernama Tec D Malaysia, Cloudera strengthen strategic tie-up KUALA LUMPUR: Tec D Malaysia, a TD Synnex company will deepen its long-standing strategic partnership with hybrid data company Cloudera in Malaysia. Cloudera empowers businesses to transform complex data into clear and actionable insights with its hybrid data platform. Under this alliance, Tec D Malaysia will leverage Cloudera’s real-time insights capabilities to enable enterprises to address data in motion gaps and securely manage their entire data lifecycle with greater flexibility from Edge to AI (artificial intelligence). Tech Data Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) Advanced Solutions – Modern Data Centre & Analytics vice-president Bennett Wong (pic) said, “Edge computing is expected to be a US$208 billion business by 2023. With the rise in edge computing, enterprises require robust real-time insights and more efficient management of data lifecycles, preferable from one unified platform for ease of functioning, as well as the capabilities to tackle any data in motion gaps. Tec D Malaysia is delighted to enhance our partnership with Cloudera to empower enterprises in the region in expanding their data business opportunities.” Traditional analytic solutions used by enterprises have certain limitations such as an inability to scale as data increases, making it difficult for businesses to address immediate customer needs in a timely manner, or to accurately offer promotions due to an inability to continuously monitor customer interactions. Hence, harnessing data in motion is an essential step for businesses in gaining control of and leveraging data as a strategic asset. Cloudera APJ vice-president Remus Lim oCompanies will help enterprises address data in motion gaps, enhance real-time insights capabilities said, “Business stakeholders today want more real-time visibility to derive insights to make faster data-driven decisions. More importantly, they want to achieve this with the flexibility to move data at scale across any environment in a secure manner. “With Tec D Malaysia as a distributor, these solutions can be better tailored for businesses given its strong expertise in solutions aggregation. Its Centre of Excellence, bolstered by dedicated local teams, will play a key role in supporting the partner network to conceptualise solutions, and conduct discovery and POC.” Cloudera through its Data-In-Motion offering will provide two core services, DataFlow – which enables developers to connect any data source anywhere with any structure, process it, and deliver to any destination using a low-code authoring experience; and Stream Processing – a complete, enterprise-grade stream management and stateful processing solution. Cloudera Data Platform’s SDX (Shared Data Experience) offers businesses an integrated set of security and governance technologies built on metadata to secure, monitor, and govern their data consistently. Southern Cable orders in hand grow to RM609.3m PETALING JAYA: Cable and wire manufacturer Southern Cable Group Bhd saw its orders in hand grow to RM609.3 million from RM578.4 million as at Dec 31, 2022, after receiving a contract addendum from Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB). With the addendum, the group’s amended contract with TNB to supply underground cables and conductors increased to RM332.1 million, from RM293.8 million originally. Southern Cable managing director Tung Eng Hai said, “We adopt a positive outlook for 2023, as projects across various industries such as power, construction, and infrastructure have recorded a strong return in activity levels. Additionally, the recently retabled Budget 2023, with its focus on high impact projects, will contribute to further growth in demand for cables and wires. The contract addendum by TNB bolsters our orders in hand for the year and attests to the improving market conditions. “Furthermore, we are pursuing more business as tender flows for new projects have resumed in strength, thus supporting a positive outlook going forward.” The group’s current orders in hand will be fulfilled until 2024, comprising power cables and wires, and related products and services such as aluminium rods, as well as supply and installation of rectifier systems for 5G network. The group is a registered supplier for cables and wires with TNB. Southern Cable’s current orders will keep it busy until 2024. – SOUTHERN CABLE WEBSITE PIC

14 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 SUNBIZ @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Foreign cash streaming back to China after Alibaba’s plans oNet buying of mainlandlisted stocks every day since tech giant’s announcement, flow may be signalling shift in sentiment HONG KONG/SHANGHAI: Foreign investors are steadily marching into China in the wake of Alibaba’s plans to restructure, with money managers reckoning it is the latest sign the national leadership is turning friendlier to business as economic growth gains traction. Exchange data shows net foreign buying of mainland-listed stocks every day since Alibaba announced its intention to split up and float its business units last week, for a record quarterly total. Investors have also turned positive on the company and the stock is up this year after heavy falls in 2021 and 2022. The flow may be signalling a shift in sentiment among foreign investors who have Shares of Asia’s cashed-up companies beat broader market as volatility swirls I am truly sorry, says Credit Suisse chairman ZURICH: Credit Suisse’s chairman apologised for taking the Swiss bank to the brink of bankruptcy, as he faced shareholder fury over the demise of the once proud flagship. The hastily arranged takeover by Zurichbased UBS, for which Switzerland invoked emergency legislation, bypassed Credit Suisse shareholders, who would otherwise have had a say, and all but wiped them out. Its final meeting of shareholders yesterday marks an ignominious end to the 167-year-old bank founded by Alfred Escher, a Swiss B R I E F S ADB: DEVELOPING ASIA’S GROWTH TO PICK UP MANILA: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised its 2023 growth forecast for developing Asia yesterday, after China’s abrupt loosening of Covid-19 restrictions and reopening of its borders brightened the region’s prospects. The Philippinesbased lender expects economic growth of 4.8% this year, up from its 4.6% projection in December. That compares with growth of 4.2% last year.Developing Asia refers to 46 members of the ADB, stretching from Kazakhstan in Central Asia to the Cook Islands in the Pacific. South Asia is forecast to record the fastest pace of growth in the region, with India expected to expand by 6.4% on “healthy domestic demand”. – AFP VIRGIN ORBIT FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY, SEEKS BUYER WASHINGTON: Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit Holdings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy yesterday after the satellite launch company failed to secure the long-term funding needed to help it recover from a January rocket failure. The Long Beach, California-based company lodged the filing in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware seeking a sale of its assets after announcing the layoff of roughly 85% of its 750 employees last week. The company listed assets of about US$243 million (RM1.07 billion) and total debt at US$153.5 million as of Sept 30 in the filing. – Reuters Lehmann speaking during Credit Suisse’s AGM in Zurich yesterday. – REUTERSPIC been notably absent while China’s markets and economy roared back to life after Beijing abruptly lifted its stringent zero-Covid policy in December. The MSCI China index gained 4.5% in March against a gain of only 2.8% for world stocks and the Shanghai Composite has just closed out its best quarter in more than two years, with a 5.9% gain. Derrick Irwin, a portfolio manager at US asset manager Allspring Global Investments, said the Alibaba breakup and founder Jack Ma returning to China appear part of an effort by the government to extend an olive branch to entrepreneurs. “This may reignite investment in the private sector,” he said. China has since late 2020 waged a crackdown on a broad range of industries, leaving startups and its biggest companies alike operating in an uncertain environment. It punished tech companies for monopolistic behaviour among other issues, levying large fines on e-commerce firms. including Alibaba. Alibaba’s shares are up more than 14% in the five days since the company’s announcement and some 11.7 billion yuan (RM7.5 billion) in foreign cash has flowed into China’s markets. That’s already more than the net 9.2 billion yuan in inflows in February and drove March flows to 35.4 billion yuan and the quarter’s inflow to a record of 186 billion yuan. Alibaba’s plans, which investors think augur another era of growth and capital raising for the company are being viewed as a broad sign of a policy shift because the firm and its billionaire founder were high-profile targets during the crackdown. As many as 67% of investors in the United States are now seeing the start of a trend towards more business friendly actions from Beijing, a recent survey by BofA Securities found, according to a note seen by Reuters and a source familiar with the matter. BofA Securities declined to comment. Ernest Yeung, a portfolio manager at US asset manager T. Rowe Price, anticipated “a gradual process of stabilisation” of private enterprises and the internet sector. His team has been focusing on investing in “forgotten or out-of-favour” stocks, and built a position in Alibaba last year. The lingering question is how China reconciles its commitment to business with its political ideology. – Reuters BENGALURU: Shares of Asian companies with big cash balances are outperforming the broader market and analysts say the money will be a cushion against volatility and earnings downgrades. The shares of the top 300 listed Asian companies based on their net cash levels have risen about 9% this year, according to Refinitiv data, compared with the MSCI Asia Pacific share index’s 4.6% gain. “Cash implies safety amid the volatility we have seen to start the year,” said Vikas Pershad, investments portfolio manager for Asian Equities at M&G Investments. “It is understandable that investors would be allocating more capital to companies with above-average cash balances, and would be taking capital away from companies with heavy balance sheets,” he said. A balance sheet buffer can offer protection against rising borrowing costs and be a ready source of funds for buybacks, dividends or investment in future growth and can come in handy as rates go up and markets turn fickle and jittery. “A healthy balance sheet is a prerequisite for us,” said Pershad. Cash levels do not necessarily drive stock performance alone, though strong balance sheets have enhanced the appeal of shares in companies such as China Mobile, Samsung Electronics and TSMC since the start of 2023. China Mobile is up 37% this year as investors like its high dividends and growth potential. Chipmakers Samsung Electronics and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co also hold high cash and have been rebounding on hopes that chip demand will pick up. By contrast Asia’s top 300 holders of net debt, about a quarter of which are real estate firms, mostly in China’s beaten-down property market, have risen just 0.2% this year. Nomura said Asian investors could find insulation from recession risks by looking for cash-rich companies likely to be able to sustain dividends or buybacks even in tough times. For Nomura, such a strategy, which the brokerage calls BCD or buybacks, cash, and dividends, has outperformed the MSCI Asia Pacific index by 60% since the index’s inception in May 2019, it said. There are signs it is a popular theme, with the Global X Asia Pacific High Dividend Yield ETF, which invests in companies that provide high and stable dividends, up 6.6% this year. Even though March brought the steepest bond rally for years, something that usually supports growth stocks as yields become less attractive, BNP Paribas’ Asia-Pacific head of equity research, Manishi Raychaudhuri, sees safety commanding a premium for a while yet. “Our search for deep value now takes us to stocks that have more net cash on their balance sheets than their market cap,” he said. – Reuters Australia’s central bank pauses rate hikes to assess impact SYDNEY: Australia’s central bank yesterday left its cash rate unchanged at 3.6% to break a run of 10 straight increases, saying it wanted additional time to assess the impact of past hikes as the economy slows and inflation has peaked. Wrapping up its April policy meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) did warn that “some further tightening of monetary policy may well be needed” to ensure that inflation returns to target. Markets had been wagering on a pause, while analysts were split on whether the bank would hike again given still-high inflation. Investors reacted by pushing the Australian dollar 0.4% lower to US$0.6758. Three-year bond futures were up 9 ticks to 97.14, with futures now also leaning towards a pause in May, implying hikes are essentially over. “The decision to hold interest rates steady this month provides the Board with more time to assess the state of the economy and the outlook, in an environment of considerable uncertainty,” said governor Philip Lowe. “The Board recognises that monetary policy operates with a lag and that the full effect of this substantial increase in interest rates is yet to be felt.” The RBA has raised rates by a total of 350 basis points to tame runaway inflation, which has peaked at 7.8% in the final quarter last year and slowed to 6.8% in February, but still remains way above the central bank’s target of 2-3%. – Reuters magnate affectionately dubbed King Alfred I, who helped to build the country’s railways and then the bank. Protesters gathered outside the concert venue where the meeting took place, with some erecting a capsized boat to depict the bank’s demise. Inside, chairman Axel Lehmann issued an apology, saying he had run out of time to turn the bank around, despite his belief “until the beginning of the fateful week” that it could survive. “I am truly sorry,” said Lehmann. “I apologise that we were no longer able to stem the loss of trust.” After years of scandal and losses, Credit Suisse came to the brink of collapse before UBS rode to the rescue with a merger engineered and bankrolled by the Swiss authorities. “Until the end, we fought hard to find a solution. But ultimately, there were only two options: deal or bankruptcy. The merger had to go through,” said Lehmann. He added that five board members would not stand for reelection. Shareholder advisory firm Ethos decried the “greed and incompetence of its managers” as well as pay that reached “unimaginable heights”, as it prepared to challenge top executives at the meeting. “Shareholders have lost considerable amounts of money and thousands of jobs are on the line,” it said. The meeting is the first time that Lehmann and chief executive Ulrich Koerner publicly addressed shareholders since the takeover. – Reuters

5 A P R I L 2 0 2 3 W E D N E S D A Y Starting anew THE music scene in Malaysia is incredibly diverse and active, offering a wide range of genres and styles. Some of the greatest live bands can be found in Kuala Lumpur in particular. The Gentle Notes is a fusion band that knows how to get you moving on the dance floor. They play the latest radio-friendly favourites in addition to all renowned musicians. theSun recently spoke with the band to learn more about their formation process, obstacles they overcame, and inspiration for starting the band. There are five members of The Gentle Notes – drummer Jeremiah, bassist Noel, violinist Hireish, guitarist Jarod, and lead vocalist Alex Rao. Jeremiah, the group’s leader, said that each of them was already performing individually at various gigs. Jeremiah, though, had dreamed of starting his own live band. He said: “I’ve always known that starting my own band was what I wanted. And I already knew who would be in my band; all that was left to do was to execute it when the opportunity arose.” It waspure coincidence that the bandmembers all met and performed together at an event in June of 2022. While they were essentially playing as a new group, they said that they clicked right away, which is typically not the case. “We all play different roles in the group, and we just needed a little practise to be able to work well together,” according to Noel. “I think that’s what made us special,” he added. “We are each other’s strengths, but having a violinist in a band is unique. We see having a violinist in our band as the beginning of something unique. Everyone does, however, have their own opportunity to shine with their instrument on stage.” The Gentle Notes knows how to add excitement to every event. – ALL PIX BY SHOBANA MANOKARAN/THESUN oThe Gentle Notes is a charismatic fusion band that is hype-worthy █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Live bands that are able to appeal to crowds of all ages, need to play music from different genres. Jeremiah Vijayaveeran, drummer and leader of The Gentle Notes. We enquired about the band’s creative approach, as they mainly play in bars and nightclubs. Hireish stated: “We all contribute equally. Jeremiah has been performing for years, so he knows exactly what the audience would like to hear. “He would typically come up with a set of songs, and we would simply pitch in our recommendations to finalise our set list.” “We put too much faith in one another,” according to Jarod, who added that on sometimes “we would just be as impulsive and jam out to a beat.” As they wouldn’t stop complimenting each other’s amazing skills, I could see that the team really does have a great deal of faith in one another. The group claimed that they had always enjoyed playing their particular musical instrument, therefore when they had the chance to become a band, they just couldn’t pass it up. “Why would we want to waste that chance, especially when we have a place to show off our talent?” remarked Hireish. While they are a relatively new band, all five members have experience playing live, thus playing their performances wasn’t as difficult as they had anticipated. Jeremiah added that “to their astonishment”, their debut performance as The Gentle Notes was favourably welcomed by the crowd. “I still recall the cheers and applause we received from the crowd; that’s what persuaded me that we are on the right road.” The lads claimed that doing performances in front of crowds is something they genuinely like doing. When questioned about their favourite musical moment to date, Jarod said: “Every single one of our performances. Every time we perform on stage and take pleasure in our performance, we just feel so pleased.” Jeremiah responded: “Generally, we simply end up performing the songs that are currently trendy,” when asked how they keep the crowd entertained if no one is dancing or having fun. “We are certain that everyone would like that.” He claims that it doesn’t occur all that frequently though. The group believes in slow progress. Nothing is easy, in Hireish’s opinion. There must be some challenges in life if one is to excel. Their biggest challenge came when their former lead vocalist attempted to split the group up by encouraging the other members to create a new band, and leaving Jeremiah behind. However, that did not happen, due to their strong bond. When we asked whether there was anything they would have done differently when they initially started out, everyone said that “there wasn’t anything”. They are grateful for their humble beginnings and acknowledge that the small steps they took to get where they are now. Speaking of negative critiques, Alex claimed that such feedback only serves to motivate people to improve. “It’s really not that complicated. Every week, we work to improve based on their feedback.” “Nonetheless, we often choose to ignore remarks that are meant to make us feel bad. It’s not worth it to pay any attention to something that will just hurt you mentally,” Noel continued. Alex also mentioned that, despite working a full-time job, he does not allow it to cloud his love for singing. “My passion is singing, and I won’t let it be taken from me. I’m very grateful that I can stay on schedule well while still performing with this band.” Jeremiah was cited by all four band members as their chief inspiration and as someone who had a significant impact on their personal growth. Because Jeremiah took the initiative and directed them all in the proper direction, they are all incredibly appreciative to him. Even though everyone has their own careers, starting The Gentle Notes remains one of their greatest accomplishments, and Jeremiah made it all possible. They also took the opportunity to thank their family and friends for their unwavering support. Jeremiah made sure to thank his wife for always being there for him. He claimed she was the reason he didn’t give up in the face of all the challenges he faced. Anybody looking to join a live band is advised to have confidence. They emphasised that all they needed to do was trust their abilities and continue pushing on with their lives and never give up. The Gentle Notes made a promise to continue doing their hardest to outshine everyone else. The lads currently perform weekly at Mist, Bangsar on Fridays and Saturdays. I have seen their performance, and I think they are doing a fine job. They are all really vivacious and care about entertaining their audiences. They have loyal customers who often stop by Mist to see them play. We wish them well in their ongoing efforts to soar even higher. Event inquiries can be sent to +6016-315 7051 (Jeremiah). 0 Instagram: @thegentlenotes

16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 Lee (left) and Lim are the series’ star couple. – NETFLIX READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Give it a chance S INCE the announcement that Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt would be voicing Mario in the upcoming Super Mario Bros. Movie, fans of the gaming franchise haven’t shied away from sharing their thoughts. Despite obvious excitement for the movie, Pratt’s casting as the lead was disappointing for several reasons, including the fact that he was chosen over Charles Martinet, who voices the Italian plumber character in the video games. In a recent interview with Extra, Pratt urged all fans to give the film a chance before dismissing it, hinting that they might be p l e a s a n t l y surprised. “Go watch the movie, and then we can Pratt asked fans to watch the movie before criticising it. – INSTAGRAM oChris Pratt defends his role in the Super Mario Bros. Movie Chris Evans talks returning as Captain America not feel it is the right time for his return, perhaps due to how it may take the spotlight away from Anthony Mackie, whose character Sam Wilson is the newly minted Captain America. Evans’ last appearance as Rogers was in Avengers: Endgame, where he passed the Captain America shield to Mackie’s Wilson. The latter will be headlining his first MCU tentpole in the upcoming Captain America: New World Order which is set for release next year. – by Mark Mathen Victor The Glory co-stars confirmed to be dating OVER the weekend, Korean media outlet Dispatch released images of The Glory co-stars Lee Do-hyun and Lim Ji-yeon secretly travelling together, claiming that the two were dating. According to reports, the two had begun dating soon after meeting on the show’s set, where Lee portrayed the enigmatic, handsome doctor Joo Yeo-jung, and Lim played the school bullyturned-evil villain Park Yeon-jin. Fans were unaware that romance was developing between these two even as The Glory reached its dramatic conclusion. Soon after Dispatch broke the news, their relationship was later verified by their respective agencies. Lim’s company said in a statement: “Lim Ji Yeon and Lee Do Hyun have gone from being close colleagues to the stage of cautiously getting to know one another better with positive feelings. We’d be grateful if you’d look warmly upon [their relationship].” A similar remark was made by Lee’s agency: “After spending some time as close colleagues, the two of them developed an interest in one another, and they are cautiously getting to know each other.” While Lee had his acting debut in the 2017 black comedy Prison Playbook, where he played the young version of Jung Kyung-ho’s character, Lim made her acting debut in the 2011 film Disaster Movie, before becoming a household name in The Glory. Congratulations to the new couple! – by Thashine Selvakumaran Suga’s new documentary GET an up-close and personal look at the life of K-pop star and BTS member Suga as he travels the world in search of inspiration. His mission to seek out new sights, sounds and experiences is the focus of a documentary titled SUGA: Road to D-Day, which is set to premiere on Disney+ Hotstar. Follow Suga as he hits up locations in Seoul and Tokyo, to Las Vegas and beyond, all in order to explore and learn from various musical genres, all in the lead up to his first international tour under the name Agust D, which begins in the US later this month, together with the release of a new solo album. Road to D-Day is expected to give fans an insight into the young rapper’s life and his journey as a solo artiste. In the teaser trailer for the upcoming documentary, Suga is seen by himself walking along city streets, standing atop a mountain and driving a car down a highway. A voiceover features Suga saying: “This is my first time walking down this street. I’m so excited right now ... this is the first time in my life that I’m doing this. I haven’t even tried this in Korea.” Suga is the third BTS member to feature in a Disney+ programme, following j-hope IN THE BOX, which focuses on JHope’s efforts to make his own solo album, and In The Soop: Friendcation, which features groupmate V. – by Anansa Jacob A scene from the upcoming film. – UNIVERSAL PICTURES FOLLOWING Chris Evans’ exit from his role as Steve Rogers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the actor said at the time that he was completely done with the star-spangled character. Now, it seems Evans is flirting with the possibility of returning to the role – albeit with some caveats. “It’s tough, because I love that role deeply,” Evans said when asked about returning as Captain America at the recent C2E2 fan convention. He proceeded to explain that he thinks there are more stories about Steve Rogers to tell. “But at the same time, I’m very, very precious with it. It’s like this little shiny thing that I have that I love so much, and I just don’t want to mess up in any way, and I was a part of something that was so special for the special period of time and in a way, it really landed so well. “As much as I’m connected to that role and love telling those stories and working with those people, it doesn’t quite feel right, right now,” he added. The actor’s words could be taken to mean two things. One would be the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where most of the films and series’ are being released to lukewarm reception, compared to the high praise that came during Evans’ time. Another reason that Evans does talk,” he said. “I really think that once you see the movie,” Pratt, 43, said before changing his thought and correcting himself by saying, “And you know what, in all honestly, I think you probably need to watch it twice.” The Jurassic World actor’s remarks came after some fans, including actor John Leguizamo, who played Luigi in the 1993 theatrical adaptation of the gaming franchise, complained that his casting was “unfortunate” for the role of the titular character. Chris reaffirmed his appreciation for the “devout fanbase” of the game, emphasising that he understands concerns that the film could tarnish the franchise if not handled properly. “This is the soundtrack to your youth. You don’t want someone to come along and cynically kind of destroy it as a cash grab with the movie. I fully understand that,” he said. “You do not want that to happen.” He went on to say that there were “so many hearts and souls and minds dedicated to making sure that didn’t happen,” and that the film “honours” the video game in a way fans will hopefully appreciate. “[It’s] very promising as to what we can expect over the next 10 years – an entire universe of these types of movies. They’re super nostalgic, they’re really fun,” he added. Fans will be able to form their own opinions about Pratt’s performance and the film itself once it hits theatres this week. – by Hazique Zairill Evans in a scene from Avengers: Endgame. – MARVEL STUDIOS Evans said it was not ‘right’ to come back to the role. – IMDB.COM

17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 CANADIAN producer, singersongwriter, and multiinstrumentalist Chris LaRocca today released the first single off his forthcoming EP, perhaps! out May 5. Setting the tone for the project, deep end encapsulates LaRocca’s eclectic sound, pulling in elements of DIY production, breezy R&B, and popinspired harmonies. His ability to consistently reinvent without straying from his ingenuity immediately attracted Grammy-nominated producer WondaGurl, who has signed LaRocca to her burgeoning imprint Wonderchild in partnership with Red Bull Records. Launched in 2021 with the inaugural signee and Toronto rapper JUGGER, deep end marks the first official release to emerge from the label, with more genre-bending music and trailblazing artists to come this year. LaRocca shares: “deep end is an ode to the relentlessness of the music industry. It flips the notion of the body being a temple on its head and suggests that the body is rather a vessel for success – as artistes, producers, songwriters and everything else, we put ourselves through hell for our art: sleepless nights, vices, not eating, all things we go through to get the most out of ourselves while working and to stay present. “I felt like I was truly in the deep end of all the above while working on this project, and this song is one of the last ones I wrote for the project felt like it really summed up the process for me.” LaRocca is one of the most exciting artists to emerge from Toronto’s creative scene. Self-taught, his experimental repertoire can be best described as organised chaos made for sweaty basement shows and polished studios alike. Behind the scenes, LaRocca has an impressive track record of writing and producing for tastemakers like Kali Uchis (Deserve Me ft. Summer Walker), Bryson Tiller (I’m Ready For You), Boslen (LEVELS), and more. With his anticipated EP, perhaps! in the wings, 2023 is shaping up to be an explosive year for Chris LaRocca. Apart from Canada, LaRocca’s music appeals to listeners in this region as well, with the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand being among his top 10 most streamed countries in the world. Scorsese, DiCaprio to premiere new film at Cannes Into the deep end MARTIN SCORSESE’S new film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Killers of the Flower Moon, will get its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, organisers confirmed last Friday. It will be the first time the veteran filmmaker presents a new film at the festival since he won best director there in 1986 for After Hours. Scorsese won the top Palme d’Or prize in 1976 for Taxi Driver and also presided over the jury in 1998. “The Cannes Festival is overjoyed to welcome Martin Scorsese this May on the Croisette, to climb the steps of the Palais des Festivals,“ the organisers said in a statement. The film, also starring Robert De Niro, was produced by Apple, which has agreed to release it in cinemas in October before streaming on its platform. Cannes only allows films to compete for the Palme d’Or if they get a theatrical release, notably preventing Netflix from entering its films. Killers of the Flower Moon tracks the true story of serial murders of a Native American tribe in an oil-rich part of the United States in the 1920s. – ETX Studio Hell hath no fury Tackling the story from the perspective of crime and women from poorer echelons of society becoming victims of vice, and the cyclical situation these individuals are unfortunately trapped in since birth is commendable, as its something relatable, especially in Asia. Unfortunately, the film’s grip on its heavier, darker themes sometimes slips whenever the film decides to almost randomly pivot to its comical villains, and the even sillier twist towards the end that sets up a character in the 2019 film. There is no arguing that Hai and his underlings deserve everything that the happens to them in the climax, but the characters are so underwritten and acted in such an over-the-top way, it feels like two different films whenever the camera is on them. In classic ‘too many cooks spoil the soup’ tradition, a quick check on IMDb gives a possible answer for the tonal clashes and comical villains; Furies was penned by five writers (including Ngo). Frankly, that’s an absurd amount of writing for a revenge actioner, especially one with a straightforward story. If the film had committed wholeheartedly to creating truly evil antagonists as the spine of the criminal atrocities in Furies’ Ho Chi Minh City and not the cartoon caricatures it actually has, Furies would have stuck the landing as another great Southeast Asian action film. Furies is currently streaming on Netflix. A PREQUEL to 2019’s Furie, Netflix’s Furies is an even more relentless Vietnamese revenge film set in neon-lit, seedy Ho Chi Minh City before the turn of the millennium. Directed by Veronica Ngo (who also starred in Furie), Furies takes place little over a decade before the 2019 film, and instead focuses on actress Dong Anh Quynh’s character, Bi. The film opens with Bi, from her being exposed to the knowledge of her mother prostituting herself to get the two of them out of poverty, to Bi’s sexual assault and subsequent murder of the rapist, Furies quickly establishes the film’s themes and brutality. Furies kicks off proper after Bi arrives in Ho Chi Minh City and is saved from another sexual assault by Jacqueline (Veronica Ngo), and is introduced to two other girls saved by the latter; Thanh Soi (Toc Tien) and Hong (Rima Thanh Vy). Quickly inducted into the group, Bi is trained – along with Thanh and Hong – to be Jacqueline’s “hammer” in stopping mob boss Hai, who runs the biggest syndicate in the city with deep roots in prostitution and drugs. Guns, fists and knives As much as John Wick: Chapter 4 is currently dominating the global box office, it can’t be ignored how the film (and its franchise predecessors) was inspired by Gareth Evans’ Indonesian films The Raid and The Raid 2. Similarly, Furies wears its inspiration on its sleeve and continues the tradition of uplifting Southeast Asian martial arts films that The Raid started; Furies even has a corridor fight similar to the one in the second Raid film. Fights are tightly choreographed and shot, even if some sequences are not that believable; suspension of disbelief will be needed as these are relatively petite female characters fighting against hordes of much bigger men. Unlike other modern action films, Furies mixes both fast cutting and long takes in the action editing. Viewers aren’t going to see the kind of unbroken long takes in the John Wick or Raid films, but they aren’t going to experience the fast cuts of other terrible action films either. It’s somewhere in the middle, like Paul Greengrass’ Bourne films. That said, Furies has one truly abhorrent, visually ugly action sequence after the halfway point; in a green screen motorcycle sequence, the actors are essentially sitting on a stationary motorcycle, acting out the sequence against poorly rendered CGI. If you have seen South Korea’s Carter from last year, this sequence in Furies is as bad as most of the sequences from that film. Unrelenting female wrath oFuries is the latest in Southeast Asia’s growing action cinema Bi (left) is a tragic character from from the start. - ALL PIX BY NETFLIX An orphan, Bi finds a family in Thanh (right), Hong and Jacqueline. Veronica Ngo also played the lead role in 2019’s Furie. █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR 0Cast: Veronica Ngo, Dong Anh Quynh, Toc Tien, Rima Thanh Vy, Thuan Ng 0Director: Veronica Ngo E-VALUE 7 ACTING 6 PLOT 5

18 FASHION theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 Pink and expensive jewels A RARE, vividly rosy-purple diamond, called the Eternal Pink and valued at US$35 million (RM154.7 million), is set to be auctioned off by Sotheby’s as part of its Magnificent Jewels sale in New York in June. The 10.57-carat stone is being marketed as the most valuable purplishpink diamond ever brought to auction, with the highest ever pre-auction price per carat estimate, according to Sotheby’s. “Its refined lines combined with the intensity of its colour earn it a place as one of the world’s most extraordinary gems,“ Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer at the Gemological Institute of America said of the cushion-cut diamond. According to Sotheby’s, the stone, which was mined in Botswana, is “comparable to ultimate masterpieces of art – far rarer than a Magritte or a Warhol,“ thanks to its clarity and lack of imperfections. Pink diamonds are among the rarest and most sought-after gems in the world and are considered a major draw for investors. The record for the highest-ever auction price for such a stone is held by the CTF Pink Star, which was sold for US$71.2 million (RM314.9 million) in Hong Kong in 2017. The Williamson Pink Star diamond, which sold for US$57.7 million (RM255.2 million) in 2022, also in Hong Kong, holds the record for the highest price per carat, at nearly US$5.2 million (RM23 million). – ETX Studio A model holds the Eternal Pink diamond. – ETX STUDIO ALTHOUGH poles apart at first glance, fast fashion and the second-hand market now seem closer than ever. Some of the biggest fast-fashion brands seem to be diving into this niche to drive down waste while giving themselves a greener image. The Swedish giant H&M is the latest to take the plunge, launching its own resale platform in the US in collaboration with ThredUp. A few months ago, this might have seemed inconceivable. On the one hand, fast fashion was in the firing line for its environmentally damaging model, and for encouraging overconsumption. On the other hand, secondhand clothing was being hailed as a way to reduce the mountains of textile waste, and limit the need for new clothes. Plus, some were quick to criticize the absurdity of resale platforms on which preloved fast-fashion items were – and still are – being sold. And one platform was quick to respond to this paradoxical situation. Back in November, coinciding with Black Friday, the high-end fashion and accessories resale platform Vestiaire Collective announced plans to banish fast-fashion brands previously present in its online store, justifying its decision by the fact that “fashion’s biggest challenge” is “fast-fashion waste.” This campaign was supported by hashtags that left no doubt as to its position on fast fashion: #saynotofastfashion. Shein, Asos, Boohoo, Missguided, Nasty Gal, Pretty Little Thing and Topshop were among the first brands concerned by this boycott. If some major fast-fashion brands, such as Zara and H&M, are still listed on the resale website, this has not prevented them from taking the lead in developing their own second-hand resale platforms. A commitment to the planet, they explain, although some are already crying greenwashing. But it’s also a way to improve their image, and not to stay on the sidelines of a market that can be highly profitable. In the fall of 2022, Zara announced the launch of its own second-hand platform, PreOwned. This allows the brand’s customers to sell and/or buy second-hand Zara products, or even donate them, or have them repaired. This initiative is already up and running in the UK and will be rolled out to other Fast-fashion brands are getting a taste for resale. – GETTY countries. The ultra-fast fashion giant Shein has also cottoned on to the idea, launching Shein Exchange, a platform for the exchange and resale of second-hand items from the brand, currently only available in the United States. And the news hasn’t failed to raise eyebrows, since the brand is widely criticised for its practices, and for the quality of its clothes. More recently, Swedish retailer H&M has entered the game in partnership with the American resale specialist, ThredUp. Here again, the aim is to establish its own resale platform, initially in the United States, with the possibility of shopping pre-loved clothes via the sites of the two fashion companies. This can evidently be seen as a positive step in favor of the environment, and there’s no denying that H&M has been racking up initiatives in this direction for several years. Still, the fact remains that the second-hand market is a promising sector, and a real financial opportunity for these brands. Globally, the second-hand fashion market was estimated to be worth US$36 billion (RM159.2 billion) in 2021, with forecasters expecting it to double within five years to US$77 billion (RM340.6 billion), according to a report published by ThredUp. This buoyant market has clearly not finished attracting new players from all horizons, even if some are quick to embrace an eco-responsible alternative before even attempting – or at least not significantly – to transform their original business model. – ETX Studio WHEN will the 1990s and 2000s stop dominating fashion? Certainly not this season, with a resurgence of pieces borrowed straight from these two decades. After the miniskirt, low-rise jeans and Barbie pink, make way for more relics of the ‘90s and ‘00s, starting with (maxi) cargo skirts, parachute pants, tube tops and bomber jackets, all musthaves for spring 2023. W h a t e v e r Generations Y and X might think, the youth of today swear only by the fashions of the 1990s and 2000s. Whether it’s nostalgia for a bygone age or a taste for fun, casual styles, this craze has led to a major comeback of longforgotten clothing. On TikTok, hashtags linked to these decades count several tens of billions of views, confirming the younger generations’ infatuation with fashion that’s sexy, chic and effortless. And if miniskirts and low-rise jeans worked their way back into wardrobes in 2022, get ready for an influx of new pieces that are all the rage among fans of these decades that never seem to fall out of fashion. Skirts get long and functional In a recent report, the Hailey Bieber looks rocking the cargo skirt. – INSTAGRAM oFrom cargo skirts to tube tops, the ‘90s and ‘00s are still riding high in fashion Tube tops are incredibly super chic and fresh for all occasions, from the office to parties, dinner dates, and casual meetups with friends. – GETTY global fashion search engine Stylight looked at 10 musthave trends for spring 2023, taking into account searches made by the 160 million annual online shoppers across all of its international platforms. And it seems that skirts are still riding high this season, but with a few dozen centimetres more than has recently been the case. Long skirts have seen search interest increase by 36% in the space of a year, thus replacing the micro-mini versions that sprung up after debuting on the Miu Miu catwalk for the springsummer 2022 season. But that’s not all. After cargo pants – which have been a hit on social media, as well as on the catwalk and in the street in recent months – it is now the cargo skirt’s turn to head back to the forefront of wardrobes. Most often equipped with a multitude of pockets, not to mention zippers, this late 1990s creation is prized for its functionality. On Stylight, search interest for this category has jumped over 1,000% in just one year, and the trend is still in its early days. In the same vein, parachute pants – similar to cargo pants – are also proving popular, undoubtedly marking the return of a certain sportswear aesthetic. Loose-fitting, preferably with a low waistline, at least one large pocket, and pulled tight at the ankles, these pants combine functionality and style. And this has not gone unnoticed by shoppers, since clicks for this piece have grown by 107% in one year. The tube top returns Another relic of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the tube top seems to be back in the spotlight as we head into spring 2023. Spotted on Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski, this sleeveless, strapless top stands out for its simplicity, although it is far from being the most inclusive wardrobe item. The global search engine observed a 25% increase in clicks for this tight top that’s likely to be seen everywhere this season. And to complete the look, what is better than a bomber jacket? A musthave that hit the mainstream in the 2000s, this style is gaining ground once more (+40%), driven by the ‘rockstar girlfriend’ trend, along with cropped shirts and jackets (+133%). Less associated with these two decades, wedge sandals will be in the mix this spring, as evidenced by a 328% increase in search interest for this category, as will pastels, a seasonal staple, which saw a 112% increase in clicks on Stylight’s global platforms. Stylight’s figures are based on the period from March 1, 2023, to March 12, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. – ETX Studio In search of a greener image Never out of style

19 BEAUTY theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 MEET Nudestix Nude Earth Minimalist Eyes – a curated, limited edition 6-piece eye pencil palette that includes natural shades of vanilla, nudes, greys, browns, greens and minerals inspired by Mother Nature. Featuring universal tones in matte and metallic textures that are Grounded & Awesome, Calming & Inspiring, Natural & Ethereal, Cool & Warm, Ancient & Fresh, Soft & Hard, Simple & Diverse. Each Nude Earth eye pencil is multi-tasking to use as an eyeliner, eye shadow; eye colour primer or to mix & match to create an easy smokey eye. Packaged in Nudestix’s 100% reusable and recyclable tin with a mirror and sharpener that goes where you go! With sustainability at the forefront of all brand efforts, Nudestix is proud to support The Canopy Project, an official EarthDay.org Project focused on conversation and reforestation of our beautiful Earth, through global sales of the Nude Earth Eye Palette. Each palette sold equals one tree planted, with a brand commitment to plant 10,000 trees. On top of tree planting, The Canopy Project has worked to educate local communities, provide necessary water resource rehabilitation, and protect endangered species. The Nude Earth Eye Palette makes loving and protecting the nude tones and textures found on our precious planet so natural and easy with this one-for-one movement. The Nude Earth Eye Palette is vegan, hypoallergenic, gluten-free, cruelty-free and synthetic fragrance-free. All pencils are formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Each pencil is long-wearing (11 hours), waterproof, smudge-proof, easy to apply, non-sticky and quick-drying. NUDESTIX Nude Earth Eye is available via Sephora Malaysia In-Store from April 20, 2023. NATIVE to Southeast Asia, turmeric has been the subject of numerous scientific studies that have focused on exploring its nutritional and medical benefits. But what about its role in the beauty industry? This spice, known to be an excellent natural hair dye, could be beneficial not only in the fight against acne, but also in reducing wrinkles and dark circles, not to mention banishing dull complexions. Well-known in many traditional medicines, including Ayurveda, turmeric is beginning to make its way into the cosmetics industry. The ingredient is now used in creams, masks, cleansers and hair care products, for example, and is making its way into DIY beauty recipes in the form of a hydrosol, powder, colourant or essential oil. This means that as many people as possible can benefit from its many virtues for the skin and hair without having to resort to products with lengthy ingredient lists. So why exactly is turmeric is becoming such a must-have spice in the beauty department? Battling blemishes If you’re a fan of wellness drinks, turmeric probably holds no secrets for you. This superfood is packed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actives that contribute to its fame. But that’s not all. It could also be beneficial for tackling acne and blemishes of all kinds. This is due to its antiinflammatory, antiseptic and healing properties, as well as its purifying action, which helps fight against the bacteria that cause blemishes. Turmeric may even be a perfect partner to help reduce scars and stretch marks. Supple skin and a radiant glow Curcumin, the main pigment in turmeric, is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, but that’s not all. It is an ingredient packed with antioxidants that helps fight against external aggression and signs of ageing. It is even capable of blocking the action of elastase, an enzyme responsible for the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. By improving the elasticity of the skin, turmeric also helps to reduce dark circles, while its bright colour gives it a radiance boost for an immediate healthy glow. Plus, turmeric is an excellent hair colourant that has the added bonus of soothing the scalp. But American researchers have recently gone one step further by investigating the potential of curcumin as a natural sunscreen. This research is still in its early stages, but it could one day allow this spice to be used to protect us from ultraviolet rays. Turmeric is clearly a go-to ingredient for the beauty sector that still has plenty of surprises in store. – ETX Studio Inspired by the planet Nudestix presents a 6-piece eye palette in support of The Canopy Project. oFrom acne to wrinkles and dark circles, turmeric is a spice with multiple skin benefits Turmeric could be beneficial in fighting blemishes, signs of aging and dull complexions. – GETTY Natural ingredients for skin detox CARROT, coffee grounds and a touch of calendula can help detox skin that has suffered the effects of a cold, gray winter. The idea is to deep cleanse skin, reduce redness caused by changes in temperature, and restore a natural healthy glow – three essential steps to freshen up the skin for spring. Coffee grounds for gentle exfoliation Revitalizing your skin requires deep cleansing, and therefore regular exfoliation to get rid of the dead cells that build up throughout the winter. Coffee grounds are the most suitable natural ingredient for this task. Not only do they refine skin texture to make it smoother, softer and more radiant, without stripping it too harshly, but they also absorb sebum. Plus, since they’re rich in caffeine, they can give a real boost to the eyes, banishing puffiness and dark circles to make way for skin that’s radiant with vitality and health. Plus, it won’t cost you a thing, since the grounds from your coffee maker were probably destined to be thrown out anyway. And it’s a great way to recycle waste. Carrots for a healthy glow Carrots might be tasty to eat, but they also give your skin that healthy glow it so desperately needs during the winter, while helping to prepare it for the return of the sun. Rich in vitamin A, carrots are known to provide many benefits to the skin, including a healthy glow and a long-lasting radiance – ideal at the end of winter. And that’s not all, since carrots promote tanning and, thanks to their antioxidant properties, prevent skin ageing. Calendula to soothe redness The new season means a change in temperature, and this can be problematic for skin, resulting in redness or blemishes, for example. It is therefore a good idea to look for ingredients that are rich in soothing active ingredients, such as calendula, a plant well-known to people prone to itching, since it calms all types of irritation, leaving skin soft and soothed. In addition to its calming effect, calendula has reparative properties that allow the skin to heal more easily. Add it to your skin detox program to step into spring feeling freshfaced. – ETX Studio Calendula has soothing properties that are ideal for a springtime skin detox. – GETTY The spice of life

20 FEATURE theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME THERE are vanishingly few great collaborations in the annals of fine art. For a brief moment in the 1980s, Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat showed the world how it was done. It started with a bang. Warhol, 54, met Basquiat, 22, for lunch in October 1982 and took a polaroid of them together. Basquiat took it to his studio and returned just two hours later with a portrait. Warhol was stunned by its brilliance. Soon they were working together on portraits that combined their favoured tropes: Basquiat’s masks, skulls, graffiti and obscure symbols; Warhol’s pop-art imagery, logos and newspaper headlines. The brief, intense collaboration lasted from 1983 to 1985 and produced some 160 works. An unprecedented number of them – 70 in total – have been brought together for a show at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris. “It’s definitely the most successful collaboration in the history of art between two great artists. It’s never been matched at this level or in this short space of time,” said Dieter Buchhart, the show’s lead curator and a Basquiat expert. In room after room, two different aesthetics, generations and temperaments collide – and find an unexpected synergy. “It is neither Warhol, nor Basquiat, but a third artist that emerges,” said Suzanne Page, the museum’s artistic director. “There was a great generosity between the two. They played with and provoked each other,” she told AFP. “Warhol allowed himself to be completely subverted by Basquiat’s interventions.” At their best, it is hard to tell where one artist begins and the other ends, as in the monumental, 10-metrelong African Masks. Others are unexpected: Ten Punching Bags, never shown in their lifetimes, has the bags suspended in a line and decorated with the face of Jesus Christ inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, drawn by Warhol with the word “judge” and a crown of thorns added by Basquiat. Cartoonist Keith Haring, a close friend of both – and who makes a cameo in the exhibition – praised their collaboration at the time as a “conversation in painting”. But there were doubters as well. Many felt portraits should be the singular vision of an individual artist. Their supporters saw the two artists more like great jazz musicians, riffing off each other. Basquiat was inspired by the master, Warhol was reinvigorated by his young friend. “It released an incredible energy,” said Page, and on a more straightforward level, they shared an intuitive genius for composition and combining colours. If Basquiat was the more serious, the more socially engaged – “carried by anger” at the invisibility of black people – Warhol was not as detached as he sometimes came across. “He accepted the social engagement side of Basquiat, and shared it,“ Page said. “Warhol was engaged too, in his own way. He was a very complex creature.” What might have been seen as insolence in Basquiat’s approach – scrawling over works that Warhol had left around his Factory studio, for example – was totally accepted by the elder artist. Their collaboration ended happily. But within two years both were dead – Warhol following routine surgery and Basquiat from a heroin overdose. Already global superstars, their fame would only continue to grow. – AFP Transforming the local art scene with digital oil paintings HOMEGROWN art platform Creative Factory has introduced Malaysia’s very first digital oil-painting service. Since its founding, Creative Factory has grown to be the pioneer of digital oilpainting in the local scene. To date, the team has achieved several groundbreaking milestones, including being featured in the Malaysian Book of Records for “Fastest To Complete 15 Digital Oil Painting Portraits on Canvas”. Their service provides Malaysians with a distinctive and thrilling opportunity to turn an otherwise incomplete precious moment into a lasting memory on a canvas that will endure for a long time. By blending traditional drawing techniques with cutting-edge technologies, Creative Factory produces stunning and timeless digital oil-paintings that will satisfy the hearts of every art enthusiast. Using a stylus and pressuresensitive tablet, their artists blend colours, apply textures, and employ a variety of techniques to create cohesive pieces that serve as everlasting memories for their patrons. Beyond simulating the look and feel of a traditional oil painting, the final product can even be tailored to meet specific customer needs. Perhaps most significant of all, Creative Factory allows people to add their missing loved ones into the painting. Whether it’s a family member or beloved pet who is no longer around, the completed masterpiece is sure to tug at heartstrings. From wedding shoots to family portraits, Creative Factory can paint by referring to several photos to create a mesmerising, lifelike portrait that evokes emotions and memories for years to come. To ensure the quality of their digital oil-paintings, Creative Factory continues to invest in training and upskilling their team of expert artists, using only the best materials including premium tools, canvases, and colours. Every painting undergoes a rigorous quality control process to ensure that it meets the brand’s high standards before being delivered to its clients’ doorsteps. “Our mission is to share an otherwise exclusive service to more Malaysians, at an affordable cost,” shares Nareshbabu Naidu, CEO and Founder of Creative Factory. “We want to make digital oil painting accessible for everyone, capturing our customer’s cherished moments in a unique and special way. Our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our services will help us achieve this goal, as well as promote a deeper appreciation for modern-traditional art techniques.” The brand has also successfully partnered with several prominent celebrities and influencers, such as Amber Chia and Dato’ Sri Hajah Siti Nurhaliza, to produce awe-inspiring portraits that have captivated the attention of social media users on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. Since its establishment in 2020, Creative Factory has sold a staggering 10,000 paintings, demonstrating their unwavering demand and exceptional customer satisfaction. With a goal to revolutionise the art scene in Malaysia, Creative Factory is committed to staying at the forefront of exciting new technology and continually strives to create stunning art pieces and unforgettable experiences for consumers. The brand also intends to strengthen and expand its reach and partnerships so that more Malaysians can enjoy digital oil-paintings. Visit Creative F a c t o r y ’ s social media pages on F a c e b o o k a n d Instagram. Warhol’s interest in logos collides with Basquiat’s street art style. – AFP The monumental African Masks, one of the biggest works by the two artists. A Creative Factory artist in the midst of sketching. Creative Factory CEO and founder Nareshbabu Naidu. Genius times two oBasquiat and Warhol – a rare artistic duo, finally reunited in Paris

21 * SPORTS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PAYDEE VENTURES SDN. BHD. (FORMERLY KNOWN AS ASC EQUITIES SDN. BHD.) [Registration No. 199701004779 (420275-M)] NOTICE OF REDUCTION OF SHARE CAPITAL PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special resolution to reduce the share capital of the Company pursuant to Section 117 of the Companies Act 2016 has been passed on the 31 March 2023. The extract of the special resolution is set out below:- AS SPECIAL RESOLUTION - PROPOSED CAPITAL REDUCTION EXERCISE PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 BY REDUCING AND CANCELLING THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY FROM RM5,000,000.00 TO RM50,000.00 TO OFFSET AGAINST THE DEBT OWING TO THE COMPANY BY THE SHAREHOLDERS (“CAPITAL REDUCTION”) THAT subject to the approvals of all relevant regulatory authorities and/or parties (where applicable) pursuant to Section 117 of the Companies Act 2016 being obtained, approval be and is hereby given for the Company and the Directors of the Company to reduce the issued share capital of the Company from RM5,000,000.00 represented by 5,000,000 Ordinary Shares to RM50,000.00 represented by 50,000 Ordinary Shares by cancelling RM4,950,000.00 represented by 4,950,000 Ordinary Shares of the issued share capital of the Company and for the credit arising from such cancellation to be utilised towards offsetting the debt owing to the Company by the shareholders as at 28 February 2023. AND THAT the Board be hereby authorised with full power to do all such acts, deeds and things and execute, sign and deliver on behalf of the Company all such documents and/or agreement as the Board may deem fit, necessary or expedient or appropriate in the best interest of the Company, in order to finalise, implement and/or give effect to the above transactions with full power to assent to any terms, conditions, modifications, variations and/or amendments as may be imposed or required by the relevant authorities. By Order of the Board Yap Chee Kong (MIA 11681) Company Secretary Dated this 5 April 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ADVANCE SYNERGY CAPITAL SDN. BHD. [Registration No. 199401000774 (286452-T)] NOTICE OF REDUCTION OF SHARE CAPITAL PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special resolution to reduce the share capital of the Company pursuant to Section 117 of the Companies Act 2016 has been passed on the 31 March 2023. The extract of the special resolution is set out below:- AS SPECIAL RESOLUTION - PROPOSED CAPITAL REDUCTION EXERCISE PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 BY REDUCING AND CANCELLING THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY FROM RM362,212,758.90 TO RM57,650,312.00 TO OFFSET AGAINST THE ACCUMULATED LOSSES OF THE COMPANY AND DEBT OWING TO THE COMPANY BY THE SHAREHOLDERS THAT subject to the approvals of all relevant regulatory authorities and/or parties (where applicable) pursuant to Section 117 of the Companies Act 2016 being obtained, approval be and is hereby given for the Company and the Directors of the Company to reduce the issued share capital of the Company from RM362,212,758.90 represented by 147,447,645 Ordinary Shares to RM57,650,312.00 represented by 57,650,312 Ordinary Shares by cancelling RM304,562,446.90 represented by 89,797,333 Ordinary Shares of the issued share capital of the Company and for the credit arising from such cancellation:- i. RM116,822,500.00 to be utilised towards offsetting the accumulated losses as at 28 February 2023; and ii. RM187,739,946.90 to be utilised towards offsetting the debt owing to the Company by the shareholders as at 28 February 2023. AND THAT the Board be hereby authorised with full power to do all such acts, deeds and things and execute, sign and deliver on behalf of the Company all such documents and/or agreement as the Board may deem fit, necessary or expedient or appropriate in the best interest of the Company, in order to finalise, implement and/or give effect to the above transactions with full power to assent to any terms, conditions, modifications, variations and/or amendments as may be imposed or required by the relevant authorities. By Order of the Board Ho Tsae Feng (MAICSA 7028522) Company Secretary Dated this 5 April 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF AESBI POWER SYSTEMS SDN. BHD. [Registration No. 199501007470 (336668-T)] NOTICE OF REDUCTION OF SHARE CAPITAL PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special resolution to reduce the share capital of the Company pursuant to Section 117 of the Companies Act 2016 has been passed on the 31 March 2023 The extract of the special resolution is set out below:- AS SPECIAL RESOLUTION - PROPOSED CAPITAL REDUCTION EXERCISE PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 BY REDUCING AND CANCELLING THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY FROM RM11,000,000.00 TO RM500,000.00 TO OFFSET AGAINST THE DEBT OWING TO THE COMPANY BY THE SHAREHOLDERS (“CAPITAL REDUCTION”) THAT subject to the approvals of all relevant regulatory authorities and/or parties (where applicable) pursuant to Section 117 of the Companies Act 2016 being obtained, approval be and is hereby given for the Company and the Directors of the Company to reduce the issued share capital of the Company from RM11,000,000.00 represented by 11,000,000 Ordinary Shares to RM500,000.00 represented by 500,000 Ordinary Shares by cancelling RM10,500,000.00 represented by 10,500,000 Ordinary Shares of the issued share capital of the Company and for the credit arising from such cancellation to be utilised towards offsetting the debt owing to the Company by the shareholders as at 28 February 2023. AND THAT the Board be hereby authorised with full power to do all such acts, deeds and things and execute, sign and deliver on behalf of the Company all such documents and/or agreement as the Board may deem fit, necessary or expedient or appropriate in the best interest of the Company, in order to finalise, implement and/or give effect to the above transactions with full power to assent to any terms, conditions, modifications, variations and/or amendments as may be imposed or required by the relevant authorities. By Order of the Board Ho Tsae Feng (MAICSA 7028522) Company Secretary Dated this 5 April 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices Notice of Final General Meeting Restoran U Kandar (NS) Sdn. Bhd. (1038900-U) Notice is hereby given that the Final General Meeting of the Members of the Company will be held at the office of the Liquidator, No, 6, Basement Floor, Bangunan Yee Seng, 15, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 5th May, 2023 at 10.00 a.m. for the purpose of receiving the accounts and report of the Liquidator in relation to the winding up of the Company. G. Arumugam (Liquidator) 5th April,2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF SIMA MEDICAL SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 201201041118 (1025596-V)) (In Creditors’ Voluntary Winding Up) (Incorporated in Malaysia) NOTICE is hereby given that the abovenamed Company cannot by reason of its liabilities continue its business, and that meetings of the Company and of its creditors have been summoned for a date within thirty days of the date of the statutory declaration on 4th April 2023. NOTICE is hereby given, pursuant to Section 449 of the Companies Act 2016, that a Creditors’ Meeting of the Company will be held at 2483 Tingkat Perusahaan 4A, Prai Free Industrial Zone, 13600 Prai, Pulau Pinang on 27th April 2023 at 10.30 a.m. Su Thiam Siew Chairman Date: 5th April 2023 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF NGEE TECK HUAT SUPPLIES SDN. BHD. Reg. No. 201801012008 (1274024-W) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act 2016, that the Special Resolutions set out below were duly passed by the Members of the Company on 1 April 2023. 1. THAT the company be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 (“the Act”). 2. THAT Chan Eng Mat of 4-5-3A Kompleks Kantonmen Prima, 698 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur be appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding-up the company’s affairs and distributing its assets to the members and to exercise the powers of the Liquidator as set out in Section 456 of the Act. 3. THAT the Liquidator be indemnified by the company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities sustained by him in the execution and discharge on his duties as liquidator and in relation hereto. PUA CHON TECK Director Dated: 5 April 2023 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 5 May 2023 to send in their names and addresses and the particulars of their debts or claims and their names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company, and if so required in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove the said debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proved. CHAN ENG MAT Liquidator 4-5-3A Kompleks Kantonmen Prima, 698 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur Dated: 5 April 2023 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF YIMEX SDN BHD Co. No. 199401040857(326544-H) (In Members Voluntary Winding Up) The following Special Resolution was duly passed by the members of YIMEX SDN BHD, on the 5th April, 2023 in accordance with Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016. ‘That the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Mr. Taufik bin Mohd Salleh of Suite 1603, Level 16, Plaza Pengkalan, Jalan Tiong Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur and Ms Lim Seck Wah of Level 15-2, Bangunan Faber Imperial Court, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur be and are hereby appointed Joint Liquidators for the purpose of such winding-up’. Dated this: 5th April, 2023 Sgnd .............................. KEITH YIM WENG FOO Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF YIMEX SDN BHD Co. No. 199401040857(326544-H) (In Members Voluntary Winding Up) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the above named Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 5th May, 2023 (30 days from advertised date ) to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them, and the names, addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at Suite 1603, Level 16, Plaza Pengkalan, Jalan Tiong Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their Solicitors or personally to come in and prove their debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they shall be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proven. Dated this: 5th April, 2023 Sgnd …………………………. TAUFIK BIN MOHD SALLEH Liquidator CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PAYDEE VENTURES SDN. BHD. (FORMERLY KNOWN AS ASC EQUITIES SDN. BHD.) [Registration No. 199701004779 (420275-M)] NOTICE OF REDUCTION OF SHARE CAPITAL PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special resolution to reduce the share capital of the Company pursuant to Section 117 of the Companies Act 2016 has been passed on the 31 March 2023. The extract of the special resolution is set out below:- AS SPECIAL RESOLUTION - PROPOSED CAPITAL REDUCTION EXERCISE PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 BY REDUCING AND CANCELLING THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY FROM RM5,000,000.00 TO RM50,000.00 TO OFFSET AGAINST THE DEBT OWING TO THE COMPANY BY THE SHAREHOLDERS (“CAPITAL REDUCTION”) THAT subject to the approvals of all relevant regulatory authorities and/or parties (where applicable) pursuant to Section 117 of the Companies Act 2016 being obtained, approval be and is hereby given for the Company and the Directors of the Company to reduce the issued share capital of the Company from RM5,000,000.00 represented by 5,000,000 Ordinary Shares to RM50,000.00 represented by 50,000 Ordinary Shares by cancelling RM4,950,000.00 represented by 4,950,000 Ordinary Shares of the issued share capital of the Company and for the credit arising from such cancellation to be utilised towards offsetting the debt owing to the Company by the shareholders as at 28 February 2023. AND THAT the Board be hereby authorised with full power to do all such acts, deeds and things and execute, sign and deliver on behalf of the Company all such documents and/or agreement as the Board may deem fit, necessary or expedient or appropriate in the best interest of the Company, in order to finalise, implement and/or give effect to the above transactions with full power to assent to any terms, conditions, modifications, variations and/or amendments as may be imposed or required by the relevant authorities. By Order of the Board Yap Chee Kong (MIA 11681) Company Secretary Dated this 5 April 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ADVANCE SYNERGY CAPITAL SDN. BHD. [Registration No. 199401000774 (286452-T)] NOTICE OF REDUCTION OF SHARE CAPITAL PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special resolution to reduce the share capital of the Company pursuant to Section 117 of the Companies Act 2016 has been passed on the 31 March 2023. The extract of the special resolution is set out below:- AS SPECIAL RESOLUTION - PROPOSED CAPITAL REDUCTION EXERCISE PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 BY REDUCING AND CANCELLING THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY FROM RM362,212,758.90 TO RM57,650,312.00 TO OFFSET AGAINST THE ACCUMULATED LOSSES OF THE COMPANY AND DEBT OWING TO THE COMPANY BY THE SHAREHOLDERS THAT subject to the approvals of all relevant regulatory authorities and/or parties (where applicable) pursuant to Section 117 of the Companies Act 2016 being obtained, approval be and is hereby given for the Company and the Directors of the Company to reduce the issued share capital of the Company from RM362,212,758.90 represented by 147,447,645 Ordinary Shares to RM57,650,312.00 represented by 57,650,312 Ordinary Shares by cancelling RM304,562,446.90 represented by 89,797,333 Ordinary Shares of the issued share capital of the Company and for the credit arising from such cancellation:- i. RM116,822,500.00 to be utilised towards offsetting the accumulated losses as at 28 February 2023; and ii. RM187,739,946.90 to be utilised towards offsetting the debt owing to the Company by the shareholders as at 28 February 2023. AND THAT the Board be hereby authorised with full power to do all such acts, deeds and things and execute, sign and deliver on behalf of the Company all such documents and/or agreement as the Board may deem fit, necessary or expedient or appropriate in the best interest of the Company, in order to finalise, implement and/or give effect to the above transactions with full power to assent to any terms, conditions, modifications, variations and/or amendments as may be imposed or required by the relevant authorities. By Order of the Board Ho Tsae Feng (MAICSA 7028522) Company Secretary Dated this 5 April 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF AESBI POWER SYSTEMS SDN. BHD. [Registration No. 199501007470 (336668-T)] NOTICE OF REDUCTION OF SHARE CAPITAL PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special resolution to reduce the share capital of the Company pursuant to Section 117 of the Companies Act 2016 has been passed on the 31 March 2023 The extract of the special resolution is set out below:- AS SPECIAL RESOLUTION - PROPOSED CAPITAL REDUCTION EXERCISE PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 BY REDUCING AND CANCELLING THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY FROM RM11,000,000.00 TO RM500,000.00 TO OFFSET AGAINST THE DEBT OWING TO THE COMPANY BY THE SHAREHOLDERS (“CAPITAL REDUCTION”) THAT subject to the approvals of all relevant regulatory authorities and/or parties (where applicable) pursuant to Section 117 of the Companies Act 2016 being obtained, approval be and is hereby given for the Company and the Directors of the Company to reduce the issued share capital of the Company from RM11,000,000.00 represented by 11,000,000 Ordinary Shares to RM500,000.00 represented by 500,000 Ordinary Shares by cancelling RM10,500,000.00 represented by 10,500,000 Ordinary Shares of the issued share capital of the Company and for the credit arising from such cancellation to be utilised towards offsetting the debt owing to the Company by the shareholders as at 28 February 2023. AND THAT the Board be hereby authorised with full power to do all such acts, deeds and things and execute, sign and deliver on behalf of the Company all such documents and/or agreement as the Board may deem fit, necessary or expedient or appropriate in the best interest of the Company, in order to finalise, implement and/or give effect to the above transactions with full power to assent to any terms, conditions, modifications, variations and/or amendments as may be imposed or required by the relevant authorities. By Order of the Board Ho Tsae Feng (MAICSA 7028522) Company Secretary Dated this 5 April 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices Notice of Final General Meeting Restoran U Kandar (NS) Sdn. Bhd. (1038900-U) Notice is hereby given that the Final General Meeting of the Members of the Company will be held at the office of the Liquidator, No, 6, Basement Floor, Bangunan Yee Seng, 15, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 5th May, 2023 at 10.00 a.m. for the purpose of receiving the accounts and report of the Liquidator in relation to the winding up of the Company. G. Arumugam (Liquidator) 5th April,2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF SIMA MEDICAL SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 201201041118 (1025596-V)) (In Creditors’ Voluntary Winding Up) (Incorporated in Malaysia) NOTICE is hereby given that the abovenamed Company cannot by reason of its liabilities continue its business, and that meetings of the Company and of its creditors have been summoned for a date within thirty days of the date of the statutory declaration on 4th April 2023. NOTICE is hereby given, pursuant to Section 449 of the Companies Act 2016, that a Creditors’ Meeting of the Company will be held at 2483 Tingkat Perusahaan 4A, Prai Free Industrial Zone, 13600 Prai, Pulau Pinang on 27th April 2023 at 10.30 a.m. Su Thiam Siew Chairman Date: 5th April 2023 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF NGEE TECK HUAT SUPPLIES SDN. BHD. Reg. No. 201801012008 (1274024-W) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act 2016, that the Special Resolutions set out below were duly passed by the Members of the Company on 1 April 2023. 1. THAT the company be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 (“the Act”). 2. THAT Chan Eng Mat of 4-5-3A Kompleks Kantonmen Prima, 698 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur be appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding-up the company’s affairs and distributing its assets to the members and to exercise the powers of the Liquidator as set out in Section 456 of the Act. 3. THAT the Liquidator be indemnified by the company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities sustained by him in the execution and discharge on his duties as liquidator and in relation hereto. PUA CHON TECK Director Dated: 5 April 2023 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 5 May 2023 to send in their names and addresses and the particulars of their debts or claims and their names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company, and if so required in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove the said debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proved. CHAN ENG MAT Liquidator 4-5-3A Kompleks Kantonmen Prima, 698 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur Dated: 5 April 2023 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF YIMEX SDN BHD Co. No. 199401040857(326544-H) (In Members Voluntary Winding Up) The following Special Resolution was duly passed by the members of YIMEX SDN BHD, on the 5th April, 2023 in accordance with Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016. ‘That the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Mr. Taufik bin Mohd Salleh of Suite 1603, Level 16, Plaza Pengkalan, Jalan Tiong Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur and Ms Lim Seck Wah of Level 15-2, Bangunan Faber Imperial Court, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur be and are hereby appointed Joint Liquidators for the purpose of such winding-up’. Dated this: 5th April, 2023 Sgnd .............................. KEITH YIM WENG FOO Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF YIMEX SDN BHD Co. No. 199401040857(326544-H) (In Members Voluntary Winding Up) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the above named Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 5th May, 2023 (30 days from advertised date ) to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them, and the names, addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at Suite 1603, Level 16, Plaza Pengkalan, Jalan Tiong Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their Solicitors or personally to come in and prove their debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they shall be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proven. Dated this: 5th April, 2023 Sgnd …………………………. TAUFIK BIN MOHD SALLEH Liquidator CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 Unhappy Max Verstappen scathing of F1 rules after Hamilton overtake MAX VERSTAPPEN believes Formula 1’s rules are not being enforced correctly after no action was taken against Lewis Hamilton for his firstlap overtake in the Australian Grand Prix. Having lost first place to George Russell at the start of Sunday’s chaotic and entertaining race in Melbourne, Verstappen then dropped to third after Hamilton bolted down the inside of the Red Bull at turn 3 at Albert Park. Verstappen was quick to express his unhappiness with the move over team radio, insisting he was “ahead at the apex” and the Brit “pushed him off track.” The Dutchman eventually propelled past Hamilton anyhow, and took the chequered flag in first place despite a hectic finale, but still voiced his displeasure at the incident after the race. “From my side, I just tried to avoid contact,” he said. “It’s quite clear in the rules what you’re allowed to do on the outside, but clearly it’s not followed. “It’s okay, we had good pace and we passed them anyway, but it’s something for the next race to take into account. “It’s great to win here – my first win, it’s been a while for the team as well so very, very happy.” Seven-time world champion Hamilton, who finished second for Mercedes’ first podium of the season, unsurprisingly disagreed with Verstappen’s assessment of the incident. “I thought (the move) was pretty decent,” Hamilton told the media in Melbourne afterwards. “He braked early and I braked late and I was fully up the inside and I think we both left space for each other. “I didn’t run him off the road and he didn’t turn in on me. So we didn’t touch and that’s racing.” Verstappen was also unimpressed with the stewards in how they used the red flag at the end of the race. On Saturday, the double world champion even threatened to quit the sport if a prospective new race weekend structure was implemented for the next race in Azerbaijan and down the line, in which an extra sprintspecific qualifying session would take place. After team-mate Sergio Perez finished fifth, Verstappen now has a 15-point lead in the World Championship from his Red Bull rival, while Hamilton is 31 points behind Verstappen in fourth place. The next race, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, takes place from April 28-30 April in Baku. – The Independent Gaikwad, Moeen lift Chennai AN opening century partnership between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway helped Chennai Super Kings to a 12-run win over Lucknow Super Giants at the Indian Premier League yesterday. Gaikwad (57) and Conway (47) shared a blazing stand of 110 as four-time winners Chennai, led by M.S. Dhoni, reached 217-7, a total their bowlers defended by restricting Lucknow to 205-7 and register their first win of this season. England’ Moeen Ali took four key wickets and was ably supported by fellow spinner Mitchell Santner, who returned impressive figures of 1-21. But Gaikwad set up victory as he smashed his way to his second succesive half-century this season to entertain a raucous home crowd, which witnessed its team in action live after a long break due to Covid. … after dog invasion delays start A pitch invasion by a dog delayed the match between Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants yesterday as players and umpires tried to usher it off the field. Spectators cheered as the stubborn animal led a series of groundstaff on a chase around the stadium in the southern city of Chennai. The dog, tail wagging, seemed to enjoy the spotlight before it was driven away and the match began after a five-minute delay. Batting great Sunil Gavaskar was not amused by the turn of events and said “groundstaff should ensure that such things don’t cause a delay”. █ KIERAN JACKSON INSIDE EDGE AFPPIX

22 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 SPORTS /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Tiger strategy for McIlroy RORY MCILROY plans to take a leaf out of Tiger Woods’ book for The Masters this week in his quest to win the only major that has eluded him for the first time in his career. This week will mark McIlroy’s 15th attempt to win at Augusta National, and remains all that stands between him and a career grand slam. The Northern Irishman has struck up a friendship with Woods in recent years, as two of the faces of golf and he spoke of picking the American legend’s brain on how to succeed around a course that has essentially become a second home to the 15-time major champion. And McIlroy will head into this week’s tournament with a plan to adopt the five-time green jacket winner’s “disciplined” strategy. “The course can really goad you into taking shots that you don’t need to take on and if you look at the two most successful players at Augusta, it’s Tiger and Jack (Nicklaus),” he told BBC Sport Northern Ireland. “They are the two most disciplined players in the history of our game. Not taking on too much risk. Not getting ahead of yourself. That’s the formula to do well at the Masters.” McIlroy’s last major triumph came in the 2014 PGA Championship and, given the length of his drought, the four-time major champion said that it feels like he’s vying for his first once again. As two of the PGA Tour’s most vocal loyalists in golf’s ongoing civil war, McIlroy shares a close bond with Woods and mentioned that they generally talk every day. Beyond their shared business interests – the two have launched a virtual, stadium-based PGA league – they have come together in their fight against Saudi Arabiabacked LIV Golf. “I can remember the first time I met him and how I felt and to forge that relationship with him,” added McIlroy. “For him to really take an interest in what I do and take an interest in my game, take an interest in my family. “I’m unbelievably grateful for his friendship and his guidance but also his leadership through everything that’s happened in the past 18 months as well. “If anyone didn’t need to do anything it’s Tiger Woods but he’s stood up and tried to do what’s right for the game of golf. Every single player on the PGA Tour needs to commend him for that.” – The Independent Couples defends insults towards Mickelson, Garcia FRED COUPLES insists he will be happy to face Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia at Augusta National, despite recently insulting his fellow former Masters champions. Couples, who won the Masters in 1992, made the comments about LIV Golf players Mickelson and Garcia as the guest speaker during a PGA Tour Champions breakfast event in California last month. Referencing the vast fee paid to Mickelson to join the Saudi-funded breakaway, Couples said: “If you’re giving Phil Mickelson US$200 million (RM840m) at age 52 to shoot 74 and 75, God bless you.” Couples went on to call Mickelson a “nutbag” and Garcia a “clown”, which could make for an interesting atmosphere for the Champions Dinner ahead of the 87th Masters. “I’m not expecting anything different,” Couples said after a nine-hole practice round with Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Tom Kim. “I’ve made comments but they need to understand. If they’ve looked at anything I’ve ever said I call myself the same stuff I’m calling them. I just don’t think they should bash the PGA or anybody. Just go and play golf. “Tomorrow night will be a great dinner, a lot of fun. People have asked me if I’m going to be paired (with LIV players). I would love to be paired with Phil. “He’s one of the best players who’s ever played, loves this place as much as I do and if we did we’d look at each other on the first hole and we’d have a good time. “If someone wants to stop and ask why I’m picking on ’em then I’m all for it but I don’t really think I’ve done anything horrific. They’re making comments and I’m replying to them and that’s it. “On my (radio) show I’ve told everyone Sergio is one of the top 10 players I’ve ever seen hit a ball but if he’s going to make comments about the Tour I play, I’m going to make a comment back and if it’s offensive I apologise, but they’re on another Tour. “Go and play and have a good time. I have no problem with anyone on the LIV Tour, I really don’t.” – The Independent GREG NORMAN has revealed that LIV Golf’s players are planning a group celebration if one of their number wins The Masters this week. Eighteen players who have joined the breakaway, Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series are set to compete this weekend at Augusta National. Former green jacket winner Dustin Johnson and Cameron Smith, who took his maiden major title at The Open last year, are among the LIV players who could contend. Golfers who have elected to join the series are currently unable to play on the PGA Tour, but those that qualify for the Masters have been allowed to enter and play in the year’s first major championship. Norman, the public face and commissioner of the rebel series, admitted he would have “goosebumps” if one of his recruits secures victory – with the rest of the LIV representation likely to join in the celebrations. “They are saying no matter who wins, no matter who is in that position, we are going to be there,” Norman – who finished second at The Masters in 1986, 1987 and 1996 – told NewsCorp. “They are all going to be there on the 18th green. When you walk up 18, your caddie hugs you then you see your wife or your mum and dad. Now, to have those 17 other guys there, that’s the spirit we want.” Brooks Koepka took victory in the third LIV event of the year in Orlando, Florida on Sunday. The four-time major champion’s return to form suggests he could be another potential challenger having finished as a runner-up in 2019. Alongside Johnson, ex-Masters winners Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed and Charl Schwartzel are all set to return to the Augusta course. With Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm all in excellent touch during recent events on the PGA Tour, Norman believes the tournament is set up perfectly. “I compliment the Masters on letting the players play because now they have got the best field and they are actually now the true Super Bowl,” Norman said. “If I’m the Masters I would want on Sunday DJ (Dustin Johnson) or Brooks (Koepka) or Cam (Cameron Smith), any of those guys, against Rory and Jon Rahm. Can you imagine what the TV ratings would be like? “It’s what the people want. It’s what TV wants. The ratings will be far higher than any other ratings if you’ve got Rory playing any one of our top guys.” – The Independent Norman reveals plans for LIV celebration at Masters █ SHUBI ARUN █ PHIL CASEY █ HARRY LATHAM-COYLE Day relishing bid to reclaim old form JASON DAY has enjoyed a resurgence after a frustrating stretch and the Australian former world No. 1 said yesterday his march back to competitive relevance had a lot to do with him refusing to be patient. Day, growing ever more aware of the slew of rising young talent on the PGA Tour, did not want to waste any more time and insisted to instructor Chris Como that they speed up plans to bring changes to his game. “He’s always talking about slow bringing stuff in,” Day said. “And I said ‘look, I don’t have a lot of time and I need to make these changes and I’m going to force them in there’.” The results have been rather staggering for Day as he has five top-10 finishes in seven events this year. Should have rephrased par-67 remarks, says DeChambeau LIV GOLF member Bryson DeChambeau said he doesn’t regret saying he saw Augusta National as a “par-67” course in 2020 while he was at the height of his game. He did attempt to clarify that his remarks then did not mean he lacked respect for the site of the Masters, one of the most hallowed venues in golf. “I don’t think I regret anything,” DeChambeau said. “What I do understand is that I have a lot of respect for the course. Because of that statement, (people) think I don’t have respect for the course. Are you kidding me?” DeChambeau was coming off a victory at the US Open in September 2020 when the Masters was held that November, because of Covid-19. Before the tournament, DeChambeau said, “I’m looking at it as a par-67 for me because I can reach all the par-5s in 2, no problem. If the conditions stay the way they are, that’s what I feel like par is for me. That’s not me being big-headed. I can hit it as far as I want to.” Spieth says has enough weapons to win JORDAN SPIETH has a green jacket among five top-three finishes at Augusta National, tying the legendary Arnold Palmer for the most in history among players through their first nine Masters. Embarking on his 10th Masters at just 29 years old, Spieth was quick to put some context to those numbers. “I haven’t had a lot of opportunities on the back nine (of the final round),” he said Monday. “I’ve back-doored some of those top finishes.” Spieth arrived at Augusta this week with high expectations, despite letting recent opportunities to win slip by at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Valspar Championship. “Tenth appearance now, feels crazy,” he said. “I’d love to get in the mix, because right now I feel better about my game than I’ve felt since probably 2017. I feel good about the form I’m in. I don’t feel like I have all of the weapons right now, but I have enough.” Smith admits missing certain stops on Tour CAMERON SMITH admits Saudi-backed LIV Golf offers weaker fields than the PGA Tour and the Australian says he sometimes longs to play PGA events he’s now banned from entering. The reigning British Open champion, however, insisted Monday at the Masters that he’s happy with his choice to jump from the PGA last September for LIV’s record US$25m (RM105m) purses and 54-hole events. “Yeah, for sure there have been a couple of tournaments that I really have enjoyed in the past that I feel like I’ve missed out on,” Smith said. “But, at the same time, I’ve made my bed and I’m happy, very happy where I am. I’m happy to sleep in the bed I’m in basically. I do miss certain tournaments, certain golf courses,“ he said. “I’m looking forward to this week playing against the guys for sure. But I don’t know if I necessarily miss playing against any certain guys.” PIN HIGH Victory at Augusta is all that stands between Northern Irishman and career grand slam Rory McIlroy tees off on the 10th as Tiger Woods (left) looks on during a practice round at Augusta yesterday. – REUTERSPIX

23 * SPORTS @thesundaily theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | APRIL 5, 2023 FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME Devils running on empty Newcastle defeat drags United into battle for top-four spot Bees’ boss Frank expecting biggest test at Old Trafford THOMAS FRANK has described tomorrow’s (3am Malaysian time) clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford as “potentially the most difficult game” of Brentford’s season. The reverse fixture last August saw United thrashed 4-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium in what was their second Premier League fixture under boss Erik ten Hag. Currently battling for a top-four finish, they head into this contest on the back of a 2-0 loss at Newcastle on Sunday. Brentford boss Frank, whose side are seventh in the table, told a press conference: “We are potentially going into the most difficult game of the season, with everything taken into consideration. “We are going away to the biggest away ground, with those fans, against a very good side that are much more stable. “Erik ten Hag and his staff have done a very good job. They’ve just won their first trophy and they’re fighting for a Champions League spot. “They lost (on Sunday) so they will want to bounce back. Plus, we beat them last time, so they’ll doubly want to bounce back. And they’re a very good team with top players.” The Bees, who have suffered only one defeat in their last 16 League games stretching back to October, drew 3-3 at Brighton on Saturday. That was a second match without Vitaly Janelt, who has been recovering from a knee issue sustained in the 2-0 win at Southampton on March 15. Frank said yesterday: “Vita had the knee problem but very good news: it was a minor injury against Southampton and he was on the grass today which is positive. But it will probably be too early for Wednesday night.” Frank also said Janelt’s fellow midfielder Frank Onyeka is out with a “minor” hamstring complaint. – The Independent IT was a brutal Sunday for Premier League managers. First the axe fell on Brendan Rodgers, then on Graham Potter. Each had lost on Saturday, but by one and two goals respectively. Liverpool were beaten by three. Jurgen Klopp was asked about the departures of men he likes and respects. “I think the elephant in the room is probably from your point of view why I am still sitting here in this crazy world,” he said. “The last man standing.” Liverpool have lost their last three games. Their second half against Manchester City was, in the German’s words, “awful”. Their season has been a series of ignominies: the Champions League eviscerations by Napoli and Real Madrid, the harrowing showings at Brentford and Brighton and Wolves, the losses to relegation-threatened Leeds and Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth. Klopp is nevertheless still standing. He is the third longest-serving manager in the Football League, behind only Harrogate’s Simon Weaver and Accrington’s John Coleman, and for much of a seven-year reign, longevity has been a sign of success. Now he is propped up by his past, as he willingly admits. He is the Champions League winner, the first manager to win the English title for Liverpool in 30 years, the coach who came within two games of a quadruple last year. He has credit in the bank in a way Potter, in particular, did not. He wishes he did not need to rely on it. To put it another way, why is he still here? “I cannot really explain that, to be honest. I am aware of the fact I am sitting here because of the past, not because of what we did this season,” Klopp said. “If it was my first season it would be slightly different, so that’s it. I know I am here for what happened in the last few years. “I don’t like the fact and pretty much I have to rely on that. Is it right or not? We will see that in the future but I am fully in. His past success has given him a symbolic importance but Klopp said: “I am not here as a talisman or whatever or for murals on houses’ walls. I am here to deliver, I know that 100%.” – The Independent I T was Feb 19 when Jadon Sancho put Manchester United three goals ahead against Leicester. Since then, 19 teams have scored in the Premier League. The other is United. On Feb 19, they were six points behind Arsenal. Now the gap is 22. They are as close to Arsenal as they are to Wolves. And if the numbers reflect the way United have disrupted their own fixture list by fighting on four fronts to such an extent that only three of their last nine fixtures have been in the Premier League, the context has changed. Rather than being improbable title challengers, United are at risk of missing out on the Champions League. A top-four finish has seemed an inevitability for much of 2023. Now it is at risk. They have had more damning defeats this season – going four goals down by half-time at Brentford, losing 7-0 to Liverpool – but potentially none more damaging than a 2-0 setback at St James’ Park. It reshaped the race for the top four. It suggested that, 47 matches into a marathon season, an overrun United side may be running out of steam. It is worth remembering it was only their fourth loss in their last 38 games in all competitions and that this side have shown an ability to respond to setbacks. Yet amid unbeaten runs, there is still the sense their worst can be very bad. Newcastle represented another low. There are fault-lines in his squad, an uneven element to this season’s revival. This United are often a tougher proposition, but can seem a soft touch in certain types of fixtures. Their statement results have largely been at Old Trafford, plus Wembley and the Nou Camp, but not away in the Premier League. They have no point, let alone a victory, on the road against the rest of the current top nine. In six games, they have conceded 25 times. It means the trip to Tottenham on April 27 assumes huge importance, while May’s visit to Brighton also looks daunting. Moreover, United’s heavy losses on their travels have dented their goal difference; they may yet be denied Champions League football by a glut of Liverpool goals. United have progressed as a team but can look hugely dependent on pivotal individuals. Casemiro is a symbolic figure, with his absence as significant as his presence tends to be. Neither Bruno Fernandes nor Marcus Rashford excelled at St James’ Park, but when they didn’t, no one else did. So potent since the World Cup, Rashford has not struck in domestic game since the Carabao Cup final. Brentford and Aston Villa have nine League goals since United last found the net. His is a huge burden when United have a non-scoring striker and a noncreating winger in the front three: Wout Weghorst has no Premier League goals, Antony no assists. They still have a favourable run-in, and Casemiro will return after home games against Brentford and Everton. But if there are more days like Newcastle, if there are setbacks at Tottenham and Brighton, winning the Europa League may assume a greater significance. Because if not, the danger is that a seemingly transformative season for United actually takes them back into the Europa League. – The Independent Klopp looks for a different way out █ RICHARD JOLLY █ RICHARD JOLLY UEFA boss Ceferin slams Barcelona referee scandal UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said that Barcelona’s refereeing scandal is one of the most serious incidents he has seen in football ever since he became involved with it. UEFA opened a formal investigation into Barcelona last month for potential violation of the European football governing body’s legal framework regarding payments made by the club to a company owned by a senior refereeing official. “I cannot comment directly on this for two reasons,“ Ceferin told Slovenian newspaper Ekipe SN in an interview published yesterday. “Firstly, because we have an independent disciplinary committee. And secondly, because I have not dealt with this matter in detail. However, I can say something. As far as I am informed, the situation is extremely serious. So serious that it is, in my opinion, one of the most serious (ones) in football since I have been involved in it.” Barcelona have denied any wrongdoing, saying it had paid an external consultant who supplied it with technical reports related to professional refereeing, which it claimed was a common practice among professional football clubs. Valencia boost survival hopes VALENCIA continued their battle against La Liga relegation with a 1-1 draw at home to Rayo Vallecano. Los Che move out of the drop zone thanks to a crucial point at the Estadio Mestalla, but their survival remains complicated. However, it was far from plain sailing for the home side, as Rayo took an early lead, via Santi Comesana’s composed finish. Valencia did react after the restart, as Justin Kluivert forced an incredible stop from Stole Dimitrievski, as the home side looked to ramp up the pressure. Kluivert was to eventually prove decisive in the closing stages, as he slotted home a controversial late penalty, to stretch Valencia’s unbeaten home record to three league games at full time. Valencia are now out of the bottom three, on goal difference, ahead of travelling to relegation rivals Almeria this weekend, with Rayo’s faltering European push pitting them against neighbours Atletico Madrid. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Everton 1 (Keane 90) Tottenham 1 (Kane 68-pen). P W D L F A Pts Arsenal 29 23 3 3 70 27 72 Man City 28 20 4 4 71 26 64 Newcastle 27 13 11 3 41 19 50 Tottenham 29 15 5 9 53 41 50 Man Utd 27 15 5 7 41 37 50 Brighton 26 12 7 7 49 34 43 Brentford 28 10 13 5 46 37 43 Liverpool 27 12 6 9 48 33 42 Aston Villa 28 12 5 11 37 39 41 Fulham 28 11 6 11 39 39 39 Chelsea 28 10 8 10 29 30 38 Crystal Palace 29 7 9 13 24 39 30 Wolves 29 7 7 15 23 42 28 West Ham 27 7 6 14 25 34 27 Everton 29 6 9 14 23 41 27 Nottm Forest 28 6 9 13 23 50 27 Bournemouth 28 7 6 15 27 55 27 Leeds 28 6 8 14 36 48 26 Leicester 28 7 4 17 39 49 25 Southampton 29 6 5 18 23 47 23 LA LIGA: Valencia 1 (Kluivert 81) Rayo Vallecano 1 (Comesana 9). Top 6 P W D L F A Pts Barcelona 27 23 2 2 53 9 71 Real Madrid 27 18 5 4 57 21 59 Atletico 27 16 6 5 43 19 54 Real Sociedad 27 14 6 7 35 26 48 Real Betis 27 13 6 8 34 27 45 Villarreal 27 13 5 9 34 24 44 SERIE A: Empoli 1 (Caputo 62-pen) Lecce 0, Sassuolo 1 (Pinamonti 36) Torino 1 (Sanabria 66). Top 6 P W D L F A Pts Napoli 28 23 2 3 64 20 71 Lazio 28 16 7 5 44 19 55 AC Milan 28 15 6 7 48 36 51 Inter Milan 28 16 2 10 47 32 50 Roma 28 15 5 8 38 26 50 Atalanta 28 14 6 8 47 32 48 RESULTS & STANDINGS SIDENETTING Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford looks dejected during their Premier League match against Newcastle United. – REUTERSPIX

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] I NTERIM boss Cristian Stellini accused his Tottenham players of being unable to stick to a plan as life after Antonio Conte began in familiar fashion with a 1-1 draw at Everton. Stellini, who was Conte’s assistant, was taking charge of Spurs for the first time since his fellow Italian’s exit in the wake of his explosive press conference following the 3-3 draw against Southampton before the international break. And this was an unwelcome sequel at Goodison Park as Spurs were unable to hold on to a lead against 10 men. Shortly after Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure had been sent off for striking Harry Kane in the face, the England captain put Spurs in front from the penalty spot and the three points looked to be theirs. But they needlessly invited pressure on to themselves and moments after Lucas Moura was also sent off, Michael Keane scored a searing 30-yard screamer, which moved Everton out of the bottom three. Stellini said his side had to do “much better” when playing with an extra man. “This is the way we play the game with an extra man – you have to do much better,” he said. “It’s about intention to keep the ball, to wait to find the right moment to score. “We had some chances but we didn’t find the way to score. It’s OK, but also you need players ready to move and to respect the plan. “The plan was clear in my idea, and with one extra player we can do it better than this, absolutely. “We did well for all the game, but 11 players you have to control the game with the ball. “We have to do it 11 against 11 but when you have a team like this in their stadium it’s never easy. With 11 against 10 it has to be easier than this.” Kane has attracted criticism for how he reacted to the flashpoint with Doucoure as he fell to the floor, though there was no doubt that it was a deserved red card. Everton fans called the England skipper a “cheat” but Stellini said it was an open-and-shut case. “The fans are normal. They are unhappy but in my opinion it was a clear red card,” he said. “It happens sometimes. It is normal. With the fans, you have to realise the situation. I think it was a good decision.” Spurs have suffered an inconsistent season and will end another campaign without any silverware and another managerial change following Conte’s exit. A point was enough to take them into the Premier League’s top four on goal difference, but they have played two games more than Manchester United in fifth. The Londoners clinched fourth place last season after a run of one defeat in 11 games at the end of the campaign. Asked if they can finish in a Champions League place again this time, Stellini told BBC Sport: “We are confident because we have a big squad with good players. “Now we have a week to prepare for the next match. We are confident, absolutely.” This point represents another step in the right direction for Everton, who are beginning to show resilience and solidity under boss Sean Dyche. They took the initiative after going down to 10 men and got their reward at the death thanks to Keane’s heroics. “I am really pleased. I have mentioned the word ownership and they are beginning to own it now,” Dyche said. “As coaches you can only lay down what you think is correct and it is down to the players to take ownership of it. “I think they are. They are growing all the time with that mentality. The quality has improved, the physical quality has improved the way we are going after teams. “We are being more effective as a group and I am very pleased with that.” – The Independent GARY NEVILLE regards Mauricio Pochettino as a good fit for Chelsea following the sacking of Graham Potter. The Blues axed boss Potter, who succeeded Thomas Tuchel last September, on Monday after a 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa 24 hours earlier, a result that left them with only four wins in their last 19 Premier League games and lying 11th in the table. Former Manchester United and England defender Neville feels Chelsea now bringing in exTottenham boss Pochettino would make sense. Neville said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football: “Everything that Chelsea and (owner Todd) Boehly are saying is they’ve spent £600 million (RM3.2b) and they’ve done their spending, apart from a centre-forward, for the next three years. “If they appoint (Zinedine) Zidane, (Diego) Simeone, (Luis) Enrique, they’re going to want another £300 million (RM1.6b) because they won’t like some of the players they’ve signed. “They have to appoint a manager who is going to inherit and like the squad that they’ve got – I think that man, because a lot of them are young, is Pochettino.” Neville also likened the situation there has been at Chelsea to computer game Football Manager and “kids in a sweet shop”. “I don’t think it is a surprise to anybody – he (Potter) just didn’t look right. At this moment in time, if you look at the ownership, it doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t look right, and usually when those two things happen, it’s not right. His record wasn’t great,” he said. “What the owners talk about, in a long-term project… at the start of the season they had Tuchel, they brought in (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang, (Raheem) Sterling, (Kalidou) Koulibaly, more experienced players. “Then they flip-flopped and went to a longerterm manager, brought in loads of young players on eight-year deals and spent £600 million. “They are a little bit all over the shop. I described them as chaotic at the start of the season, I’m not changing my mind. “It is a little bit like Football Manager, the kids in the sweet shop, and the fact of the matter is they gave the manager too many sweets and he didn’t know which one to pick, and it was a case of being a bit of a mess at the end.” Neville also said he thought there would be “an element of relief” from Potter, adding: “He’s probably just thought ‘this lot are mad’. “I suspect Potter has gone to (Chelsea cosporting director Paul) Winstanley, knowing him from Brighton, and said ‘get me out of here, because it doesn’t suit me’. “I don’t think Chelsea were enjoying Potter, but I don’t think Potter was enjoying Chelsea. “And I in some ways almost feel like he should treat it as a little bit of a nightmare, like this season never happened in his life, and wake up, (like) Bobby Ewing in Dallas.” Neville’s fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes Potter, previously in charge at Ostersunds, Swansea and then Brighton, was the wrong appointment for Chelsea “straight away”. “You don’t sack Tuchel and go to Graham Potter. He should have just stuck with Tuchel,” former Liverpool and England defender Carragher said. “The appointment was wrong straight away. I’m not saying Potter couldn’t work for a big club, it’s just not the right fit. It’s too ruthless at that club. “When you haven’t got a massive CV behind you, or big trophies, you’ve got to hit the ground running. “I’ve been very critical of Todd Boehly, but I think this is the first decision he has got right.” In related news, axed Chelsea boss Potter has reportedly turned down an approach from Leicester to be their next head coach after leaving Stamford Bridge. According to talkSPORT, Potter has turned down an approach from the Foxes and is set to take a break from coaching. – The Independent/ Express Newspapers Neville backs Pochettino to take charge at Chelsea █ JONATHAN VEAL The course can really goad you into taking shots that you don’t need to take on and if you look at the two most successful players at Augusta, it’s Tiger and Jack (Nicklaus). They are the two most disciplined players in the history of our game… That’s the formula to do well at the Masters.” Rory McIlroy QUOTE OF THE DAY WEDNESDAY • APRIL 5, 2023 Stellini criticises Tottenham for failing to hold on against Everton Same old Spurs Everton’s Michael Keane (right) scores a late equaliser against Tottenham during their Premier League match. – REUTERSPIX